SMALL LIPOSOMES FOR DELIVERY OF RNA ENCODING AN IMMUNOGEN

Abstract

Nucleic acid immunization is achieved by administering RNA encapsulated within a liposome. The RNA encodes a relevant immunogen, and the liposome has a diameter in the range of 60-180nm, and ideally in the range of 80-160nm. Accordingly, the invention provides a liposome having a lipid bilayer encapsulating an aqueous core, wherein: (i) the lipid bilayer has a diameter in the range of 60-180nm and (ii) the aqueous core comprises an RNA encoding an immunogen. These liposomes are suitable for in vivo delivery of the RNA to a vertebrate cell and are thus useful as components in pharmaceutical compositions for immunizing subjects against various diseases.