NI LAB
NUS Diagnostic Radiology
NI LAB
We leverage on novel nucleic acids modification techniques and nanotechnologies to improve mRNA therapeutics (RNA vaccines, gene editing)
Recent Highlights
Advances and Strategies in Enhancing mRNA Cancer Vaccines
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Aug 7, 2025
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Zhang et al. highlighted the potential of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines in cancer immunotherapy, emphasizing their ability to induce strong and targeted immune responses against tumor antigens. Despite this promise, limited immunogenicity and therapeutic efficacy have resulted in modest clinical outcomes. The review examines key biological barriers that hinder mRNA vaccine performance and discusses strategies such as structural engineering, chemical modification, and the development of advanced delivery systems. It also outlines recent advances aimed at enhancing vaccine efficacy through targeted delivery, modulation of immune cell interactions, and stimulation of innate immunity. Lastly, the authors address challenges in clinical translation and propose future directions to improve the therapeutic potential of mRNA cancer vaccines.
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Read more in Advanced Materials.
Dendrimer Engineering to Overcome Delivery Challenges of Nucleic Acids
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July 18, 2025
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Ni et al. highlighted recent advancements in dendrimer design aimed at overcoming key barriers in nucleic acid delivery. Dendrimers, with their precise architecture, multivalency, and tunable surface chemistry, offer a versatile platform for improving the stability, cellular uptake, and targeting of nucleic acid therapeutics. The paper focuses on innovative strategies that enhance delivery to hard-to-transfect cells and challenging tissue environments, emphasizing the potential of engineered dendrimers to transform gene-based therapies.
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Read more in Nature Reviews Bioengineering.
STING-Activating Polymers Boost Lymphatic Delivery of mRNA Vaccine to Potentiate Cancer Immunotherapy
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Dec 23, 2024 Impact factor: 27.4
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Zhang et al. developed a STING-activating polymer (PD) to enhance mRNA vaccine immunogenicity by forming lipid-like nanoparticles (PD LNPs) that promote lymphatic delivery and immune activation via the STING pathway. PD18, a polymer with eighteen tertiary amines, provided an optimal balance between immune response and tolerability, significantly boosting CD8+ T cell responses and demonstrating superior anticancer efficacy compared to 2′3’-cGAMP in cancer models. The PD18 LNP-based mRNA vaccine also conferred long-lasting cancer resistance for up to 60 days, offering a promising strategy for mRNA-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Read more in Advanced Materials.
JOIN US AT NUS!
We are constantly seeking young researchers and students to join our lab!
If you are interested in joining us or have any inquiries, please contact Dr Ni at qqian.ni@nus.edu.sg.