<p>We chose LNPs as the delivery system of our Next-Generation Prime Editing Technology. Because of their large capacity and less immunogenic side effects compared to other delivery systems like Adeno-associated Viruses (AVV)<SupScrollLinklabel="6"/>. Our aim is to optimize the LNP formulation to improve delivery to lung tissue via inhalation. Because of our collaborations, we are able to test and optimize different delivery systems to improve our organ specific therapeutic approach. Therefore, our LNP design focusses on stability and targeting. Stability is achieved by a polyethylene glycol (PEG) coating that protects the LNPs from degradation by the immune system<SupScrollLinklabel="7"/>. Moreover, we use capsaicin in combination with chitosan to improve the uptake of our construct through their mucus-adhesive properties<SupScrollLinklabel="8"/>. </p>
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<p>We are furthermore optimising the LNPs for pulmonary therapy and investigating delivery by nebulisation as a non-invasive method compared to systemic approaches to make the therapy more convenient for patients. For specific targeting, we are focussing on marker proteins of basal cells and ionocytes that produce particularly high levels of CFTR protein and which we want to target with appropriate antibodies<SupScrollLinklabel="9"/>. Our workflow includes testing our next generation Prime Editing Technology delivered by our optimized LNPs in cell culture lines but also in primary nasal epithelial cells of CF patients to evaluate our optimizations and further improvements in vitro. We can also provide the outlook on the adaptation of the delivery system enabling systemic applications as well. </p>