Novel polyglycerol-conjugated lipids and lipid nanoparticle compositions comprising the same

Abstract

The present disclosure provides novel polymer-conjugated lipids conjugated to a polyglycerol or a polyglycerol derivative. The present disclosure also provides lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) formulation using the polymer-conjugated lipids and methods of treating a disease by administering the LNP formulations, including multiple doses of the LNP formulations.

Description

[0001] NOVEL POLYGLYCEROL-CONJUGATED LIPIDS AND LIPID NANOPARTICLE COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING THE SAME

[0002] RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] The instant application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 592,852, filed on October 24, 2023; is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to PCT Application No. PCT / US2023 / 082037, filed December 1, 2024; and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 696,269, filed on September 18, 2024. The entire contents of each of the foregoing applications are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

[0004] SEQUENCE LISTING

[0005] The present application includes a sequence listing which has been submitted electronically in XML format and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Said XML copy, created on January 17, 2024 is named 131698-10520_SL_xml and is 5.2 KB in size.

[0006] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0007] The present disclosure relates to the field of gene and nucleic acid therapy, including polymer-conjugated lipids conjugated to a polyglycerol or a polyglycerol derivative and methods of treating a disease by administering the LNP formulations, including multiple doses of the LNP formulations.

[0008] BACKGROUND

[0009] Lipid-based nanoparticles have played a pivotal role in the successes of COVID- 19 vaccines and many other nanomedicines, such as DOXIL® and ONPATTTRO®, and have therefore been considered as a frontrunner among nanoscale drug delivery systems. However, effective targeted delivery of biologically active substances, such as therapeutic nucleic acids, represents a continuing medical challenge. This has severely limited broad applications of nucleic acids such as mRNA and DNA in protein replacement therapy, gene therapy, gene editing, and vaccination.

[0010] Lack of effective methods and vehicles for intracellular delivery represents a major barrier to a broad use of nucleic acid therapeutics. Generally, intracellular delivery of mRNA or DNA is more challenging than intracellular delivery of small oligonucleotides, in part due to the fact that mRNA and DNA molecules (which typically range from 300 kDa to 5,000 kDa, or ~ 1-15 kb) are significantly larger than other types of RNAs, such as small interfering RNAs (siRNA, which are typically ~ 14 kDa) or antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), which typically range from 4 kDa to 10 kDa).

[0011] Furthermore, intracellular delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics to targeted cells is hindered by the activation of the innate and / or adaptive immune responses. Whereas it is possible to avoid RNA sensing by myeloid dendritic cells (MDCs) by chemically modifying RNA cargo (e.g., with Im . 2’0Me, etc.), there are no known chemical modifications to a DNA cargo that can limit pattern recognition receptor (PRR) sensing and still maintain transcriptional activity.

[0012] An alternative approach to gene therapy is the recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector platform that packages heterologous DNA in a viral capsid. However, there are several major disadvantages to using rAAV vectors as a gene delivery vector. One major drawback associated with rAAV is its limited viral packaging capacity of about 4.5 kb of heterologous DNA. Another major drawback is capsid immunogenicity that prevents re-administration to patients.

[0013] Thus, there remains a need for effective delivery vehicles that enable safe and effective delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics to desired cell populations.

[0014] SUMMARY

[0015] The present disclosure overcomes some of the obstacles to intracellular delivery of nucleic acids (e.g., therapeutic nucleic acids). It has been surprisingly discovered that the novel LNPs disclosed herein comprising polymer-conjugated lipids are characterized by low levels of undesirable opsonization-driven uptake of LNPs into non-target cells, and are balanced with desirable levels of endosomal escape, thereby achieving advantageous stealth / endosomal escape tradeoff, as described herein. Further, the novel LNPs described herein can surprisingly be administered in multiple doses without inducing antibody-mediated clearance of the LNPs from the blood. Thus, the present disclosure provides extended half-life LNPs with a prolonged duration of action, e.g. due to a prolonged half-life in circulation, which advantageously allows for dosing at longer intervals. It is a finding of the present disclosure that repeat dosing of LNPs comprising a polyglycerol (PG) or a PG derivative conjugated lipid maintained an extended blood circulation profile (e.g., increased blood ti / 2) and were not rapidly cleared when compared to LNPs comprising a polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugated lipid.

[0016] In one aspect, disclosed herein is a method of treating a disease, disorder, or condition in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject at least a first dose and at least a second dose of an effective amount of a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) comprising a first lipid-anchored polymer, wherein the first lipid-anchored polymer comprises: (i) a polyglycerol (PG) or a PG derivative, and (ii) a lipid moiety. In one embodiment, the LNP further comprises (iii) a linker conjugating the PG or the PG derivative to the lipid moiety.

[0017] In one embodiment, the subject is a human. In one embodiment, the disease, disorder, or condition is a genetic disease or disorder. In one embodiment, the genetic disease or disorder is selected from the group consisting of sickle cell disease; melanoma; hemophilia A (clotting factor VIII (FVIII) deficiency); hemophilia B (clotting factor IX (FIX) deficiency); cystic fibrosis (CFTR); familial hypercholesterolemia (LDL receptor defect); hepatoblastoma; Wilson’s disease; phenylketonuria (PKU); congenital hepatic porphyria; an inherited disorder of hepatic metabolism; Lesch-Nyhan syndrome; a thalassemia; xeroderma pigmentosum; Fanconi anemia; retinitis pigmentosa; ataxia telangiectasia; Bloom syndrome; retinoblastoma; a mucopolysaccharide storage disease; a Niemann-Pick Disease; Fabry disease; Schindler disease; GM2 -gangliosidosis Type II (Sandhoff Disease); Tay-Sachs disease; Metachromatic Leukodystrophy; Krabbe disease; a mucolipidosis (ML); Sialidosis Type II, a glycogen storage disease (GSD); Gaucher disease; cystinosis; Batten disease; Aspartylglucosaminuria; Salla disease; Danon disease (LAMP -2 deficiency); Lysosomal Acid Lipase (LAL) deficiency; a neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCL); a sphingolipidoses, galactosialidosis; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); Parkinson’s disease; Alzheimer’s disease; Huntington’s disease; spinocerebellar ataxia; spinal muscular atrophy (SMA); Friedreich’s ataxia; Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD); a Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB); ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase 1 deficiency; generalized arterial calcification of infancy (GACI); Leber Congenital Amaurosis; Stargardt disease; wet macular degeneration (wet AMD); ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency; Usher syndrome; alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency; a progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC); and Cathepsin A deficiency.

[0018] In one embodiment, the method provides anti-tumor immunity to a subject in need thereof. In one embodiment, the disease, disorder or condition is associated with an elevated expression of a tumor antigen. In one embodiment, the disease, disorder, or condition is a blood disease, disorder or condition.

[0019] In one embodiment, the disease, disorder, or condition is an autoimmune disease, disorder, or condition. In one embodiment, the autoimmune disease, disorder, or condition is selected from the group consisting of rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, type I diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, Crohn’s disease, Celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Addison’s disease, dermatomyositis, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), Guillain-Barre syndrome, myasthenia gravis, autoimmune vasculitis, pernicious anemia, vitiligo, systemic sclerosis, scleroderma, diffuse scleroderma, limited scleroderma, linear scleroderma, localized scleroderma, hemolytic anemia, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), achantholysis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, adult-onset Still disease, allergic glomerulonephritis, ANCA associated vasculitis, ankylosing spondylitis, anti- glomerular basement membrane disease, anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis, antiphospholipid syndrome, antisynthetase syndrome, autoimmune gastritis, autoimmune hypophysitis, autoimmune liver disease, autoimmune lung disease, autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome, autoimmune pancreatitis, autoimmune polyendocrinopathy candidiasis ectodermal dystrophy, autoimmune skin disease, autoimmune thyroiditis, autoimmune uveitis, Behcet diseae, bullous pemphigoid, Churg Strauss syndrome, dermatitis herpetiformis, endocrine ophthalmopathy, erythematous pemphigus, Felty syndrome, Giant cell arteritis, IgA glomerulonephritis, membranous glomerulonephritis, Goodpasture syndrome, Granulomatosis with polyangiitis, Graves’ ophthalmopathy, Hailey Hailey syndrome, heparin induced thrombocytopenia, autoimmune hepatitis, idiopathic hypoparathryroidism, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, IgA pemphigus, immune complex nephritis, immunoglobulin A nephropathy, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, linear IgA bullous dermatosis, lupus nephritis, lupus vasculitis, microscopic polyangiitis, morphea, mucous membrane phemphigoid, myasthenia gravis, nonarticular rheumatism, sympathetic ophthalmia, opsoclonous myoclonus syndrome, paraneoplastic pemphigus, pemphigoid, pemphigoid gestationis, pemphigus, pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigus vulgaris, pernicious anemia, autoimmune polyendocrinopathies, polyradiculoneuropathy, postpartum thyroiditis, primary biliary cirrhosis, rheumatic disease, rheumatic heart disease, rheumatoid polymyalgia, rheumatoid nodule, rheumatoid vasculitis, stiff-person syndrome, CREST syndrome, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, sarcoidosis, and uveomeningoencephalitic syndrome.

[0020] In one embodiment, the method further comprises administering to the subject at least a third dose of an effective amount of the LNP. In one embodiment, the method further comprises administering to the subject at least a fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, or subsequent dose of an effective amount of the LNP.

[0021] In one embodiment, each dose is formulated as a pharmaceutical composition comprising the LNP and a pharmaceutically effective carrier.

[0022] In one embodiment, the PG derivative is a carboxylated PG. In one embodiment, the carboxylated PG is a glutarylated PG. In one embodiment, the glutarylated PG is 3 -methyl glutarylated PG. In one embodiment, the carboxylated PG is 2-carboxycyclohexane-l -carboxylated PG. In one embodiment, the PG or the PG derivative is linear or branched.

[0023] In one embodiment, the lipid moiety is represented by Formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: R1is absent, hydrogen, Ci-Ce alkyl, or a hydrophobic tail comprising 10-30 carbon atoms; R2is absent, hydrogen, Ci-Ce alkyl, or a hydrophobic tail comprising 10-30 carbon atoms; wherein, when R1and R2are each hydrogen, Ci-Ce alkyl, or a hydrophobic tail comprising 10-30 carbon atoms, N is positively charged; and R3is a hydrophobic tail comprising 10-30 carbon atoms, wherein inFormula (I) is a bond conjugating the lipid moiety and the linker, when present.

[0024] In one embodiment, R1is absent, and wherein R2and R3are each independently a hydrophobic tail comprising 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, or 22 carbon atoms. In one embodiment, R2and R3are each independently a hydrophobic tail comprising 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, or 22 carbon atoms. In one embodiment, R2and R3are each independently a hydrophobic tail comprising 18 carbon atoms, and wherein the lipid moiety is dioctadecylamine (DODA). In one embodiment, the lipid moiety conjugated to a linker is represented by the following structure:

[0025] In one embodiment, the lipid moiety is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-dipalmitoyl- sn-glycero-3 -phosphocholine (DPPC), l-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC), 1- palmitoyl-2 -oleoyl -sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (POPE), 1 -palmitoyl -2 -oleoyl-sn-glycero-3- phospho-( l'-rac -glycerol) (POPG), l,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphoethanolamine (DPPE), 1,2- distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DSPE), 1,2-dielaidoyl-sn-phosphatidylethanolamine (DEPE), 1 -stearoyl -2 -oleoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphoethanolamine (SOPE), l,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3- phosphoglycerol (DOPG), l,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphoglycerol (DPPG), 18-1-trans PE, 1,2- dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine (DOPS), l,2-diphytanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DPHyPE), dioctadecylamine (DODA), dihexadecylamine, distearoyl -rac -glycerol (DSG), 1,2- dipalmitoyl-rac -glycerol (DPG), l,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphoethanolamine (DOPE), 1,2-0- dioctadecyl-sn-glycerol (DODG), and a derivative of any of the foregoing. In one embodiment, the lipid moiety is selected from the group consisting of DOPE, DSPE, DSG, DODA, DPG, DODG, and a derivative of any of the foregoing.

[0026] In one embodiment, the PG or the PG derivative comprises about 5 to 100 monomeric units. In one embodiment, the PG or the PG derivative comprises about 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 monomeric units.

[0027] In one embodiment, the PG or the PG derivative comprises about 8, 27, 34, 45, 46, 50, or 58 monomeric units. In one embodiment, the PG or the PG derivative comprises about 8 monomer units. In one embodiment, the PG or the PG derivative comprises about 27 monomer units. In one embodiment, the PG or the PG derivative comprises about 34 monomeric units. In one embodiment, the PG or the PG derivative comprises about 45 monomeric units. In one embodiment, the PG or the PG derivative comprises about 46 monomeric units. In one embodiment, the PG or the PG derivative comprises about 50 monomeric units. In one embodiment, the PG or the PG derivative comprises about 58 monomeric units.

[0028] In one embodiment, the linker is absent. In one embodiment, the linker, when present, is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl linker, a glycerol linker, a phosphate linker, a phosphate ester linker, an ether linker, an ester linker, a diester linker, an amide linker, a diamide linker, an amine linker, a peptide linker, a phosphoethanolamine linker, a phosphocholine linker, a carbamate linker, a diamide alkyl linker, a cleavable linker, and any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the linker, when present, is selected from the group consisting of - (CH2)n-, -C(O)(CH2)n-, -C(O)O(CH2)n, -OC(O)(CH2)nC(O)O-, and -NH(CH2)nC(O)O-, wherein n is an integer ranging from 1 to 20. In one embodiment, the linker, when present, is a glutaryl linker or a succinyl linker. In one embodiment, the linker, when present, is -C(O)(CH2)n-, and wherein n is 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. In one embodiment, n is 4.

[0029] In one embodiment, the first lipid-anchored polymer is represented by the following structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

[0030] In one embodiment, the first lipid-anchored polymer is represented by the following structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

[0031] In one embodiment, the first lipid-anchored polymer is represented by the following structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

[0032] In one embodiment, the first lipid-anchored polymer is represented by the following structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

[0033] In one embodiment, the first lipid-anchored polymer is represented by the following structure: wherein or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof. In one embodiment, a reactive species is conjugated to the PG or the PG derivative, wherein the reactive species is functionalized to be conjugated to a targeting moiety. In one embodiment, the reactive species is a click chemistry reagent or maleimide. In one embodiment, the click chemistry reagent is selected from the group consisting of a dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO) reagent, a transcylooctene (TCO) reagent, a tetrazine (Tz) reagent, an alkyne reagent, and an azide reagent.

[0034] In one embodiment, a targeting moiety is conjugated to the PG or the PG derivative via the reactive species. In one embodiment, the targeting moiety is conjugated to the PG or the PG derivative via a dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO)-azide conjugation, an azide-alkyne conjugation, a TCO- Tz conjugation, or a thiol-maleimide conjugation.

[0035] In one embodiment, the targeting moiety is capable of binding to a liver cell. In one embodiment, the liver cell is a hepatocyte.

[0036] In one embodiment, the targeting moiety is N-acetyl galactosamine (GalNAc) or a GalNAc derivative. In one embodiment, the targeting moiety is a tri-antennary GalNAc conjugate or a tetra- antennary GalNAc conjugate. In one embodiment, the targeting moiety is selected from the group consisting of an ApoE protein, an ApoE polypeptide, an ApoB protein, an ApoB polypeptide, and a fragment or a variant thereof.

[0037] In one embodiment, the targeting moiety is an antibody or an antibody fragment, wherein the antibody or the antibody fragment is capable of specifically binding an antigen present on the surface of a cell. In one embodiment, the antibody or the antibody fragment is a monoclonal antibody (mAb), a single chain variable fragment (scFv), a heavy chain antibody (hcAb), a nanobody (Nb), a heavychain-only immunoglobulin (HCIg), an immunoglobulin new antigen receptor (IgNAR), variable domain of immunoglobulin new antigen receptor (VNAR), a single -domain antibody, or a variable heavy chain-only antibody (VHH).

[0038] In one embodiment, the targeting moiety is capable of binding to an antigen on a cell or cell fragment selected from the group consisting of a T cell, a B cell, a natural killer (NK) cell, a dendritic cell, a macrophage, a red blood cell, a platelet, a megakaryocyte, a hematopoietic stem cell (HSC), a hematopoietic stem or progenitor cell (HSPC), a CD34+ cell, a muscle cell, a brain cell, a nerve cell, a lung cell, an endothelial cell, an epithelial cell, a kidney cell, a spleen cell, an ovarian cell, a testicular cell, a uterine cell, a placental cell, a vascular cell, a skin cell, and an endocrine cell. In one embodiment, the T cell is a CD8+ T cell or a CD4+ T cell.

[0039] In one embodiment, the LNP further comprises: (i) a therapeutic nucleic acid (TNA); (ii) an ionizable lipid; and (iii) a sterol.

[0040] In one embodiment, the LNP further comprises a helper lipid. In one embodiment, the helper lipid comprises a phospholipid or a phosphatidylcholine (PC). In one embodiment, the helper lipid is selected from the group consisting of l,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphocholine (DSPC), hydrogenated soybean PC (HSPC), phosphatidylserine (PS), l,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3- phosphocholine (DOPC), l,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), 1 -palmitoyl -2- oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC), l,2-dilauroyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphocholine (DLPC), 1- margaroyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (MOPC), 1 -palmitoyl -2 -linoleoyl-sn-glycero-3- phosphocholine (PLPC), 1 -stearoyl -2 -myristoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphocholine (SMPC), 1,2- dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC), l,2-dihexanoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphocholine (DHPC), l,2-dierucoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphocholine (DEPC), l-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-glycero-3- phosphocholine (POPC), and l,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphoethanolamine (DOPE). In one embodiment, the helper lipid is DSPC.

[0041] In one embodiment, the helper lipid is represented by Formula (II): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or an ester thereof, wherein: '' is a single bond or a double bond; R1is C1-C17 alkyl or C2-C17 alkenyl; R2is C1-C22 alkyl or C2-C22 alkenyl; R3is hydrogen or C1-C2 alkyl; and R4is hydrogen or C1-C2 alkyl. In one embodiment, '' is a double bond. In one embodiment, R1is C10-C20 alkenyl, R2is C10-C20 alkyl and R3is hydrogen. In one embodiment, the helper lipid represented by Formula (II) is: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof. In one embodiment, the helper lipid represented by Formula (II) is: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof. In one embodiment, the helper lipid represented by Formula (II) is: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof. In one or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof. In one embodiment, the helper lipid represented by Formula (II) is: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof. In one embodiment, the helper lipid represented by Formula (II) is: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

[0042] In one embodiment, the sterol is selected from the group consisting of cholesterol, beta- sitosterol, stigmasterol, beta-sitostanol, campesterol, brassicasterol, and a derivative thereof. In one embodiment, the sterol is cholesterol.

[0043] In one embodiment, the ionizable lipid is represented by: a) Formula (A):

[0044] Formula (A), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: R1and R1are each independently optionally substituted linear or branched C1.3 alkylene; R2and R2are each independently optionally substituted linear or branched Ci-e alkylene; R3and R3are each independently optionally substituted linear or branched Ci-e alkyl; or alternatively, when R2is optionally substituted branched C1-6 alkylene, R2and R3, taken together with their intervening N atom, form a 4- to 8-membered heterocyclyl; or alternatively, when R2is optionally substituted branched Ci-e alkylene, R2and R3, taken together with their intervening N atom, form a 4- to 8-membered heterocyclyl; R4and R4are each independently -CRa, -C(Ra)2CRa, or -[C(Ra)2]2CRa; Ra, for each occurrence, is independently H or C1-3 alkyl; or alternatively, when R4is -C(Ra)2CRa, or -[C(Ra)2]2CRaand when Rais C1-3 alkyl, R3and R4, taken together with their intervening N atom, form a 4- to 8-membered heterocyclyl; or alternatively, when R4is -C(Ra)2CRa, or -[C(Ra)2]2CRaand when Rais C1-3 alkyl, R3and R4, taken together with their intervening N atom, form a 4- to 8-membered heterocyclyl; R5and R5are each independently hydrogen, C1-20 alkylene or C2-20 alkenylene; R6and R6, for each occurrence, are independently C1-20 alkylene, C3-20 cycloalkylene, or C2-20 alkenylene; and m and n are each independently an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; or b) Formula (B):

[0045] Formula (B), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: a is an integer ranging from 1 to 20; b is an integer ranging from 2 to 10; R1is absent or is selected from (C2-C2o)alkenyl, -C(0)0(C2-C2o)alkyl, and cyclopropyl substituted with (C2-C2o)alkyl; and R2is (C2-C2o)alkyl; or c) Formula (C):

[0046] Formula (C), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: R1and R1are each independently (Ci- Ce)alkylene optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from Ra; R2and R2are each independently (Ci-C2)alkylene; R3and R3are each independently (Ci-Ce)alkyl optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from Rb; or alternatively, R2and R3and / or R2and R3are taken together with their intervening N atom to form a 4- to 7-membered heterocyclyl; R4and R4’ are each a (C2-Ce)alkylene interrupted by -C(O)O-; R5and R5’ are each independently a (C2-C3o)alkyl or (C2- C3o)alkenyl, each of which are optionally interrupted with -C(O)O- or (C3-Ce)cycloalkyl; and Raand Rbare each halo or cyano; or d) Formula (D):

[0047] Formula (D), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: R’ is absent, hydrogen, or Ci-Ce alkyl; provided that when R’ is hydrogen or Ci-Ce alkyl, the nitrogen atom to which R’, R1, and R2are all positively charged; R1and R2are each independently hydrogen, Ci-Ce alkyl, or C2-C6 alkenyl; R3is C1-C12 alkylene or C2-C12 alkenylene; R4is Ci-Cis unbranched alkyl, C2-C18 unbranched alkenyl, or wherein: R4aand R4bare each independently Ci-Cie unbranched alkyl or C2-C16 unbranched alkenyl;

[0048] R5is absent, Ci-Cs alkylene, or C2-C8 alkenylene; R6aand R6bare each independently C7-C16 alkyl or C7-C16 alkenyl; provided that the total number of carbon atoms in R6aand R6bas combined is greater than 15; X1and X2are each independently -OC(=O)-, -SC(=O)-, -OC(=S)-, -C(=O)O-, -C(=O)S-, -S- S-, -C(Ra)=N-, -N=C(Ra)-, -C(Ra)=NO-, -O-N=C(Ra)-, -C(=O)NRa-, -NRaC(=O)-, -NRaC(=O)NRa-, - OC(=O)O-, -OSi(Ra)2O-, -C(=O)(CRa2)C(=O)O-, or OC(=O)(CRa2)C(=O)-; wherein:Ra, for each occurrence, is independently hydrogen or Ci-Ce alkyl; and n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; or e) Formula (E):

[0049] Formula (E), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: R’ is absent, hydrogen, or C1-C3 alkyl; provided that when R’ is hydrogen or C1-C3 alkyl, the nitrogen atom to which R’, R1, and R2are all attached is positively charged; R1and R2are each independently hydrogen or C1-C3 alkyl; R3is C3-C10 alkylene or C3-C10 alkenylene; R4is C1-C16 unbranched alkyl, C2-C16 unbranched alkenyl, or

[0050] R4aand R4bare each independently Ci-Cie unbranched alkyl or C2-C16 unbranched alkenyl; R5is absent, Ci-Ce alkylene, or C2-C6 alkenylene; R6aand R6bare each independently C7-C14 alkyl or C7- C14 alkenyl; Xis -OC(=O)-, -SC(=O)-, -OC(=S)-, -C(=O)O-, -C(=O)S-, -S-S-, -C(Ra)=N-, -N=C(Ra)-, -C(Ra)=NO-, -O-N=C(Ra)-, -C(=O)NRa-, -NRaC(=O)-, -NRaC(=O)NRa-, -OC(=O)O-, -OSi(Ra)2O-, - C(=O)(CRa)2C(=O)O-, or OC(=O)(CRa2)C(=O)-; wherein: Ra, for each occurrence, is independently hydrogen or Ci-Ce alkyl; and n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; or f) an ionizable lipid selected from the group consisting of: any of the ionizable lipids in Table 1, 4, 5, 6, or 7.

[0051] In one embodiment, the ionizable lipid is Lipid 87, represented by the following structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof. In one embodiment, the ionizable lipid is represented by the following structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof. In one embodiment, the ionizable lipid is represented by the following structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof. In one embodiment, the ionizable lipid is represented by the following structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof. In one embodiment, the ionizable lipid is represented by the following structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof. In one embodiment, the ionizable lipid is represented by the following structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof. In one embodiment, the ionizable lipid is represented by the following structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof. In one embodiment, the ionizable lipid is represented by the following structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof. In one embodiment, the ionizable lipid is represented by the following structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof. In one embodiment, the ionizable lipid is represented by the following structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof. In one embodiment, the ionizable lipid is represented by the following structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof. In one embodiment, the ionizable lipid is represented by the following structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof. In one embodiment, the ionizable lipid is represented by the following structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof. In one embodiment, the ionizable lipid is represented by the following structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

[0052] In one embodiment, the ionizable lipid is Lipid A, represented by the following structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

[0053] In one embodiment, the ionizable lipid is represented by the following structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

[0054] In one embodiment, the LNP further comprises a second lipid-anchored polymer, wherein the second lipid-anchored polymer comprises: (i) a lipid moiety comprising at least one hydrophobic tail; (ii) a polymer; (iii) an optional linker, wherein the polymer is conjugated to the lipid moiety via the linker; and (iv) a reactive species conjugated to the polymer, wherein the reactive species is functionalized to be conjugated to a targeting moiety. In one embodiment, the polymer of the second lipid-anchored polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polysarcosine (pSar), poly(2- methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC), polyglycerol (PG), and a derivative of any of the foregoing.

[0055] In one embodiment, the first lipid-anchored polymer and the second lipid-anchored polymer are the same. In one embodiment, the first lipid-anchored polymer and the second lipid-anchored polymer are different. In one embodiment, the PG derivative is a carboxylated PG. In one embodiment, the carboxylated PG is a glutarylated PG or 2-carboxycyclohexane-l-carboxylated PG. In one embodiment, the glutarylated PG is 3 -methyl glutarylated PG. In one embodiment, the PG or the PG derivative is linear or branched.

[0056] In one embodiment, the reactive species is a click chemistry reagent or maleimide. In one embodiment, the click chemistry reagent is selected from the group consisting of a dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO) reagent, a transcylooctene (TCO) reagent, a tetrazine (Tz) reagent, an alkyne reagent, and an azide reagent.

[0057] In one embodiment, a targeting moiety is conjugated to the polymer via the reactive species. In one embodiment, the targeting moiety is conjugated to the polymer via a dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO)-azide conjugation, an azide-alkyne conjugation, a TCO-Tz conjugation, or a thiol-maleimide conjugation. In one embodiment, the targeting moiety is capable of binding to a liver cell. In one embodiment, the liver cell is a hepatocyte. In one embodiment, the targeting moiety is N-acetyl galactosamine (GalNAc) or a GalNAc derivative. In one embodiment, the targeting moiety is atri- antennary GalNAc conjugate or a tetra-antennary GalNAc conjugate. In one embodiment, the targeting moiety is selected from the group consisting of an ApoE protein, an ApoE polypeptide, an ApoB protein, an ApoB polypeptide, and a fragment or a variant thereof. In one embodiment, the targeting moiety is an antibody or an antibody fragment, wherein the antibody or the antibody fragment is capable of specifically binding an antigen present on the surface of a cell. In one embodiment, the antibody or the antibody fragment is a monoclonal antibody (mAb), a single chain variable fragment (scFv), a heavy chain antibody (hcAb), a nanobody (Nb), a heavy-chain-only immunoglobulin (HCIg), an immunoglobulin new antigen receptor (IgNAR), variable domain of immunoglobulin new antigen receptor (VNAR), a single-domain antibody, or a variable heavy chain- only antibody (VHH).

[0058] In one embodiment, the targeting moiety is capable of binding to an antigen on a cell or cell fragment selected from the group consisting of a T cell, a B cell, a natural killer (NK) cell, a dendritic cell, a macrophage, a red blood cell, a platelet, a megakaryocyte, a hematopoietic stem cell (HSC), a hematopoietic stem or progenitor cell (HSPC), a CD34+ cell , a muscle cell, a brain cell, a nerve cell, a lung cell, an endothelial cell, an epithelial cell, a kidney cell, a spleen cell, an ovarian cell, a testicular cell, a uterine cell, a placental cell, a vascular cell, a skin cell, and an endocrine cell. In one embodiment, the T cell is a CD8+ T cell or a CD4+ T cell.

[0059] In one embodiment, the linker, when present, is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl linker, a glycerol linker, a phosphate linker, a phosphate ester linker, an ether linker, an ester linker, a diester linker, an amide linker, a diamide linker, an amine linker, a peptide linker, a phosphoethanolamine linker, a phosphocholine linker, a carbamate linker, a diamide alkyl linker, a cleavable linker, and any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the linker, when present, is selected from the group consisting of -(CH2)n-, -C(0)(CH2)n-, -C(0)0(CH2)n-, -OC(O)(CH2)nC(O)O-, and -NH(CH2)nC(0)0-, wherein n is an integer ranging from 1 to 20. In one embodiment, the linker, when present, is a glutaryl linker or a succinyl linker. In one embodiment, the linker, when present, is -C(O)(CH2)n-, and wherein n is 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. In one embodiment, n is 4.

[0060] In one embodiment, the lipid moiety of the second lipid-anchored polymer is represented by Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: R1is absent, hydrogen, Ci-Ce alkyl, or a hydrophobic tail comprising 10-30 carbon atoms; R2is absent, hydrogen, Ci-Ce alkyl, or a hydrophobic tail comprising 10-30 carbon atoms; wherein, when R1and R2are each hydrogen, Ci-Ce alkyl, or a hydrophobic tail comprising 10-30 carbon atoms, N is positively charged; and R3is a hydrophobic tail comprising 10-30 carbon atoms, wherein < vw' in Formula (I) is a bond conjugating the lipid moiety, when present, and the linker.

[0061] In one embodiment, R1is absent, and wherein R2and R3are each independently a hydrophobic tail comprising 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, or 22 carbon atoms. In one embodiment, R2and R3are each independently a hydrophobic tail comprising 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, or 22 carbon atoms. In one embodiment, R2and R3are each independently a hydrophobic tail comprising 18 carbon atoms, and wherein the lipid moiety is dioctadecylamine (DODA).

[0062] In one embodiment, the lipid moiety of the second lipid-anchored polymer comprises a moiety selected from the group consisting of l,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphocholine (DPPC), l-palmitoyl-2 -oleoyl -glycero-3 -phosphocholine (POPC), 1 -palmitoyl -2 -oleoyl -sn-glycero-3- phosphoethanolamine (POPE), 1 -palmitoyl -2 -oleoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phospho-( 1 '-rac-glycerol) (POPG), 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn -glycero-3 -phosphoethanolamine (DPPE), l,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3- phosphoethanolamine (DSPE), 1,2-dielaidoyl-sn-phosphatidylethanolamine (DEPE), 1 -stearoyl -2- oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (SOPE), l,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoglycerol (DOPG), l,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphoglycerol (DPPG), 18-1-trans PE, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn- glycero-3-phospho-L-serine (DOPS), l,2-diphytanoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphoethanolamine (DPHyPE), dioctadecylamine (DODA), dihexadecylamine, distearoyl -rac-glycerol (DSG), 1,2-dipalmitoyl-rac- glycerol (DPG), l,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE), 1,2-O-dioctadecyl-sn- glycerol (DODG), and a derivative thereof. In one embodiment, the lipid moiety of the second lipid- anchored polymer comprises a moiety selected from the group consisting of DOPE, DSPE, DSG, DODA, DPG, DODG, and a derivative of any of the foregoing. In one embodiment, the lipid moiety of the second lipid-anchored polymer comprises DSPE.

[0063] In one embodiment, the lipid moiety of the first lipid-anchored polymer and the lipid moiety of the second lipid-anchored polymer are the same. In one embodiment, the lipid moiety of the first lipid-anchored polymer and the lipid moiety of the second lipid-anchored polymer are different.

[0064] In one embodiment, the second lipid-anchored polymer is represented by the following structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

[0065] In one embodiment, the second lipid-anchored polymer is represented by the following structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

[0066] In one embodiment, the ionizable lipid is present in the LNP in an amount of about 20 mol% to about 60 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP. In one embodiment, the ionizable lipid is present in the LNP in an amount of about 35 mol% to about 50 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP. In one embodiment, the sterol is present in the LNP in an amount of about 20 mol% to about 50 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP. In one embodiment, the sterol is present in the LNP in an amount of about 30 mol% to about 45 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP. In one embodiment, the helper lipid is present in the LNP in an amount of about 1 mol% to about 40 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP. In one embodiment, the helper lipid is present in the LNP in an amount of about 5 mol% to about 15 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP. In one embodiment, the first lipid-anchored polymer is present in the LNP in an amount of about 0.5 mol% to about 5 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP. In one embodiment, the first lipid-anchored polymer is present in the LNP in an amount of about 1.5 mol% to about 3 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP. In one embodiment, the second lipid-anchored polymer is present in the LNP in an amount of about 0.05 mol% to about 5 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP. In one embodiment, the second lipid-anchored polymer is present in the LNP in an amount of about 0. 1 mol% to about 1 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP.

[0067] In one embodiment, the nanoparticle (LNP) further comprises: (i) a therapeutic nucleic acid (TNA); (ii) an ionizable lipid, wherein the ionizable lipid is heptadecan-9-yl 9-((4- (dimethylamino)butanoyl)oxy)hexadecanoate, having the following structure:

[0068] (iii) a sterol, wherein the sterol is cholesterol; (iv) a helper lipid, wherein the helper lipid is DSPC; (v) a first lipid-anchored polymer, wherein the first lipid-anchored polymer comprises DODA conjugated to a linear PG via a linker; and (vi) a second lipid-anchored polymer, wherein the second lipid- anchored polymer comprises DSPE conjugated to PG.

[0069] In one embodiment, the linear PG comprises about 5-100 monomeric units. In one embodiment, the linear PG comprises about 30-60 monomeric units. In one embodiment, the PG or the PG derivative comprises about 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 monomeric units. In one embodiment, the PG comprises about 8, 27, 34, 45, 46, 50, or 58 monomeric units. In one embodiment, the PG comprises about 8 monomer units. In one embodiment, the PG comprises about 27 monomer units. In one embodiment, the PG comprises about 34 monomeric units. In one embodiment, the PG comprises about 45 monomeric units. In one embodiment, the PG comprises about 46 monomeric units. In one embodiment, the PG comprises about 46 monomeric units. In one embodiment, the PG comprises about 58 monomeric units.

[0070] In one embodiment, the ionizable lipid is present in the LNP in an amount of about 35 mol% to about 50 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP; the sterol is present in the LNP in an amount of about 30 mol% to about 45 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP; the helper lipid is present in the LNP in an amount of about 5 mol% to about 15 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP; the first lipid-anchored polymer is present in the LNP in an amount of about 1.5 mol% to about 3 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP; and the second lipid-anchored polymer is present in the LNP in an amount of about 0.1 mol% to about 1 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP.

[0071] In one embodiment, the TNA is selected from the group consisting of a minigene, a plasmid, a minicircle, a small interfering RNA (siRNA), a microRNA (miRNA), a guide RNA (gRNA), an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), a ribozyme, a deoxyribozyme, a closed-ended DNA (ceDNA), a ssDNA, a ministring, a doggybone™, a protelomere closed ended DNA, a dumbbell linear DNA, a dicer-substrate dsRNA, a small hairpin RNA (shRNA), an asymmetrical interfering RNA (aiRNA), mRNA, tRNA, rRNA, gRNA, a DNA viral vector, a viral RNA vector, a non-viral vector, and a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the TNA is a single-stranded nucleic acid or a doublestranded nucleic acid. In one embodiment, the TNA is mRNA. In one embodiment, the TNA is siRNA. In one embodiment, the TNA is ceDNA. In one embodiment, the TNA is a single-stranded DNA molecule (ssDNA).

[0072] In one embodiment, the ssDNA is a linear ssDNA comprising at least one nucleic acid sequence of interest flanked by at least one stem-loop structure comprising at least one stem structure and at least one loop structure at the 3’ end. In one embodiment, the at least one stem -loop structure at the 3’ end is sufficient to prime replication and / or transcription. In one embodiment, the stem structure at the 3’ end comprises a partial DNA duplex of about 4-1500 base pairs. In one embodiment, the stem structure at the 3’ end comprises a partial DNA duplex of about 300-1500 base pairs. In one embodiment, the loop structure at the 3’ end comprises about 3-500 unbound nucleotides. In one embodiment, the loop structure at the 3’ end comprises a minimum of 3 unbound nucleotides.

[0073] In one embodiment, the ssDNA comprises at least two stem -loop structures at the 3’ end. In one embodiment, the ssDNA comprises at least three stem-loop structures at the 3’ end. In one embodiment, the ssDNA comprises at least four or more stem -loop structures at the 3’ end.

[0074] In one embodiment, the at least one stem-loop structure at the 3 ’ end comprises a hairpin DNA structure. In one embodiment, the at least one stem -loop structure at the 3’ end comprises a DNA structure selected from the group consisting of: a cruciform DNA structure, a hammerhead DNA structure, a quadraplex DNA structure, a bulged DNA structure, and a multibranched loop structure.

[0075] In one embodiment, the at least one stem-loop structure at the 3 ’ end does not comprise the A, A’, D, and D’ regions that would be present in a wild-type AAV ITR. In one embodiment, the at least one stem-loop structure at the 3’ end does not comprise the A, A’, B, B’, C, C’, D, and D’ regions that would be present in a wild-type AAV ITR. In one embodiment, the at least one stem-loop structure at the 3’ end does not comprise a rep binding element (RBE) that would be present in a wild-type ITR. In one embodiment, the at least one stem-loop structure at the 3 ’ end does not comprise a terminal resolution site (trs) that would be present in a wild-type ITR.

[0076] In one embodiment, the at least one stem-loop structure at the 3 ’ end is a wild-type AAV ITR. In one embodiment, the at least one stem-loop structure at the 3 ’ end is an ITR comprising at least one addition, substitution, or deletion of at least one nucleotide as compared to a wild-type AAV ITR.

[0077] In one embodiment, the stem structure at the 3’ end comprises four or more nucleotides that are modified to be exonuclease resistant. In one embodiment, the nucleotides are phosphorothioate- modified nucleotides. In one embodiment, at least one stem -loop structure at the 3’ end further comprises a functional moiety. In one embodiment, the ssDNA molecule further comprises a 5’ end, comprising at least one stem -loop structure. In one embodiment, the ssDNA comprises at least two stem -loop structures at the 5’ end. In one embodiment, the ssDNA comprises at least three stem-loop structures at the 5’ end. In one embodiment, the ssDNA comprises at least four or more stem -loop structures at the 5’ end. In one embodiment, the at least one stem -loop structure at the 5’ end comprises a hairpin DNA structure.

[0078] In one embodiment, the at least one stem-loop structure at the 5 ’ end comprises a DNA structure selected from the group consisting of: a cruciform DNA structure, a hammerhead DNA structure, a quadraplex DNA structure, a bulged DNA structure, and a multibranched loop structure. In one embodiment, the at least one stem-loop structure at the 5’ end does not comprise the A, A’, D, and D’ regions that would be present in a wild-type AAV ITR. In one embodiment, the at least one stem-loop structure at the 5’ end does not comprise the A, A’, B, B’, C, C’, D, and D’ regions that would be present in a wild-type AAV ITR. In one embodiment, the at least one stem-loop structure at the 5’ end does not comprise a rep binding element (RBE) that would be present in a wild-type ITR. In one embodiment, the at least one stem-loop structure at the 5 ’ end does not comprise a terminal resolution site (trs) that would be present in a wild-type ITR.

[0079] In one embodiment, the at least one stem-loop structure at the 5 ’ end is a wild-type AAV ITR. In one embodiment, the at least one stem-loop structure at the 5 ’ end is an ITR comprising at least one addition, substitution, or deletion of at least one nucleotide as compared to a wild-type AAV ITR. In one embodiment, the stem structure at the 5 ’ end comprises four or more nucleotides that are modified to be exonuclease resistant. In one embodiment, the nucleotides are phosphorothioate-modified nucleotides.

[0080] In one embodiment, the loop structure at the 5 ’ end further comprises one or more nucleic acids to stabilize the ends. In one embodiment, the loop structure at the 5’ end further comprises one or more nucleic acids that are chemically modified.

[0081] In one embodiment, the loop structure at the 5’ end further comprises one or more aptamers. In one embodiment, the loop structure at the 5 ’ end further comprises one or more synthetic ribozymes. In one embodiment, the loop structure at the 5’ end further comprises one or more antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). In one embodiment, the loop structure at the 5’ end further comprises one or more short-interfering RNAs (siRNAs). In one embodiment, the loop structure at the 5’ end further comprises one or more antiviral nucleoside analogues (ANAs). In one embodiment, the loop structure at the 5’ end further comprises one or more triplex forming oligonucleotides. In one embodiment, the loop structure at the 5’ end further comprises one or more gRNAs or gDNAs. In one embodiment, the loop structure at the 5’ end further comprises one or more molecular probes.

[0082] In one embodiment, the ssDNA molecule is devoid of any viral capsid protein coding sequences. In one embodiment, the ssDNA molecule is synthetically produced in vitro. In one embodiment, the ssDNA molecule is synthetically produced in vitro in a cell-free environment.

[0083] In one embodiment, the ssDNA molecule does not activate or minimally activates an immune pathway. In one embodiment, the immune pathway is an innate immune pathway. In one embodiment, the innate immune pathway is selected from the group consisting of the cGAS / STING pathway, the TLR9 pathway, an inflammasome-mediated pathway, and a combination thereof.

[0084] In one embodiment, the ssDNA molecule is capable of expressing at least one therapeutic protein or a therapeutic fragment thereof.

[0085] In one embodiment, the at least one therapeutic protein is selected from the group consisting of an antibody, an enzyme, a coagulation factor, a transcription factor, a replication factor, a growth factor, a hormone, and a fusion protein. In one embodiment, the at least one therapeutic protein is useful for treating a disease or disorder selected from the group consisting of melanoma, hemophilia A (clotting factor VIII (FVIII) deficiency) and hemophilia B (clotting factor IX (FIX) deficiency), cystic fibrosis (CFTR), familial hypercholesterolemia (LDL receptor defect), hepatoblastoma, Wilson disease, phenylketonuria (PKU), congenital hepatic porphyria, inherited disorders of hepatic metabolism, Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, sickle cell disease, thalassemias, xeroderma pigmentosum, Fanconi anemia, retinitis pigmentosa, ataxia telangiectasia, Bloom syndrome, retinoblastoma, mucopolysaccharide storage diseases (e.g., Hurler syndrome (MPS Type I), Scheie syndrome (MPS Type I S), Hurler-Scheie syndrome (MPS Type I H-S), Hunter syndrome (MPS Type II), Sanfilippo Types A, B, C, and D (MPS Types III A, B, C, and D), Morquio Types A and B (MPS IVA and MPS IVB), Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome (MPS Type VI), Sly syndrome (MPS Type VII), hyaluronidase deficiency (MPS Type IX)), Niemann-Pick Disease Types A / B, Cl and C2, Fabry disease, Schindler disease, GM2 -gangliosidosis Type II (Sandhoff Disease), Tay-Sachs disease, Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, Krabbe disease, Mucolipidosis Type I, II / III and IV, Sialidosis Types I and II, Glycogen Storage disease Types I and II (Pompe disease), Gaucher disease Types I, II and III, Fabry disease, cystinosis, Batten disease, Aspartylglucosaminuria, Salla disease, Danon disease (LAMP -2 deficiency), Lysosomal Acid Lipase (LAL) deficiency, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (CLN1-8, INCL, and LINCL), sphingolipidoses, galactosialidosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, spinocerebellar ataxia, spinal muscular atrophy, Friedreich’s ataxia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Becker muscular dystrophies (BMD), dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB), ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase 1 deficiency, generalized arterial calcification of infancy (GACI), Leber Congenital Amaurosis, Stargardt macular dystrophy (ABCA4), ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency, Usher syndrome, alpha- 1 antitrypsin deficiency, progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) type I (ATP8B1 deficiency), type II (ABCB11), type III (ABCB4), or type IV (TJP2) and Cathepsin A deficiency. In one embodiment, the LNP does not induce or minimally induces antibody-mediated clearance in the subject’s blood. In one embodiment, the LNP has a half-life (ti / 2) in blood in vivo of between about 3 hours and 72 hours. In one embodiment, the LNP has a half-life (ti / 2) in blood in vivo of greater than 3 hours. In one embodiment, the LNP has a half-life (ti / 2) in blood in vivo of greater than 4 hours. In one embodiment, the LNP has a half-life (ti / 2) in blood in vivo of greater than 3 hours, 4, hours, 5 hours, 6, hours, 8, hours, 10 hours, 12 hours, 14 hours, 15 hours, 16 hours, 18 hours, 20 hours, 22 hours, 24 hours, 25 hours, 26 hours, 28 hours, 30 hours, 32 hours, 34 hours, 35 hours, 36 hours, 38 hours, 40 hours, 42 hours, 44 hours, 45 hours, 46 hours, 48 hours, 50 hours, 52 hours, 54 hours, 55 hours, 56 hours, 58 hours, 60 hours, 62 hours, 64 hours, 65 hours, 66 hours, 68 hours, 70 hours, or 72 hours.

[0086] In one embodiment, the LNP has an in vivo half-life (ti / 2) that is prolonged in the subject’s blood as compared to the in vivo half-life of an LNP that is not conjugated to PG or a PG derivative.

[0087] In one embodiment, the in vivo half-life of the LNP is increased by at least a factor of about two or more as compared to the in vivo half-life of an LNP that is not conjugated to PG or a PG derivative. In one embodiment, the in vivo half-life of the LNP is increased by at least a factor of about three or more as compared to the in vivo half-life of an LNP that is not conjugated to PG or a PG derivative.

[0088] In one embodiment, the LNP and / or the TNA persists in the subject’s blood at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72 or more hours after the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, or subsequent dose. In one embodiment, each dose is separated by a time period of at least about 6 hours, at least about 1 day, at least about 7 days, at least about 2 weeks, at least about 4 weeks, at least about 1 month, at least about 2 months, at least about 4 months, at least about 6 months, at least about 1 year, at least about 2 years, at least about 5 years, or at least about 10 years. In one embodiment, each dose is separated by a time period of about 6-24 hours, about 1-500 days, about 1-100 weeks, about 1-24 months, or about 1-10 years. In one embodiment, each dose is separated by a time period of about 7 days. In one embodiment, each dose is administered on a periodic schedule. In one embodiment, each dose is administered on a variable schedule.

[0089] In one embodiment, each dose is about 0.01-10.0 mg / kg. In one embodiment, each dose is at least 0.01 mg / kg, at least 0.05 mg / kg, at least 0.1 mg / kg, at least 0.5 mg / kg, at least 1.0 mg / kg, at least 1.5 mg / kg, at least 2.0 mg / kg, at least 2.5 mg / kg, at least 3.0 mg / kg, at least 4.0 mg / k, or at least 5.0 mg / kg. In one embodiment, each dose is about 0. 1 mg / kg. In one embodiment, each dose is about 0.25 mg / kg. In one embodiment, each dose is about 0.5 mg / kg. In one embodiment, each dose is about 1.0 mg / kg. In one embodiment, each dose is about 1.5 mg / kg. In one embodiment, each dose is about 2.0 mg / kg. In one embodiment, each dose is about 2.5 mg / kg. In one embodiment, each dose is about 3.0 mg / kg. In one embodiment, each dose is about 4.0 mg / kg. In one embodiment, each dose is about 5.0 mg / kg. In one embodiment, each dose comprises the same amount of the LNP. In one embodiment, each dose comprises a different amount of the LNP.

[0090] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0091] FIG. 1A depicts a MALDI-TOF spectrum of DODA-PG34.

[0092] FIG. IB depicts a MALDI-TOF spectrum of DODA-PG45.

[0093] FIG. 1C depicts a MALDI-TOF spectrum of DODA-PG58.

[0094] FIG. ID shows “Scheme 1” showing synthesis of DODA-PG41 and DODA-PG46.

[0095] FIG. IE shows “Scheme 2” showing synthesis of DODA-PG45 and DODA-PG58.

[0096] FIG. 2A shows the total flux measured by the total photon counts per the region of interest, z.e., the liver, measured in mice by In Vivo Imaging System (IVIS) at Day 4 post-dosing for LNP formulations of the disclosure and a negative control (PBS).

[0097] FIG. 2B shows the total flux measured by the total photon counts per the region of interest, z.e., the liver, measured in mice by IVIS at Day 7 post-dosing for LNP formulations of the disclosure and a negative control (PBS).

[0098] FIG. 2C shows the total flux measured by the total photon counts per the region of interest, z.e., the liver, measured in mice by IVIS across two collection days (Day 4 and Day 7) post-dosing for LNP formulations of the disclosure and a negative control (PBS).

[0099] FIG. 2D shows percent change in body weight (BW) of mice at Day 1 post-dosing with LNP formulations of the disclosure.

[0100] FIG. 3 shows luciferase activity for LNP formulations of the disclosure containing different lipid-anchored polymers.

[0101] FIG. 4A is a schematic depicting the proposed mechanism of opsonization-driven cell uptake of LNPs.

[0102] FIG. 4B is a schematic depicting the assay used for evaluating opsonization-driven cell uptake of LNPs.

[0103] FIG. 4C shows DiD fluorescence area normalized to area of live nuclei measured for LNP formulations of the disclosure containing different lipid-anchored polymers.

[0104] FIG. 5 shows DiD fluorescence area normalized to area of live nuclei for LNP formulations of the disclosure containing different amounts of polyglycerol-conjugated lipids and a control.

[0105] FIG. 6 shows the amount of endosomal escape measured as the amount of luciferase expression normalized to DiD uptake in mouse hepatocytes treated with LNP formulations of the disclosure containing different amounts of polyglycerol-conjugated lipids and a control.

[0106] FIG. 7 shows the whole blood clearance of the Control LNP, and the different Lipid Z carrying LNPs of the disclosure. FIG. 8A shows the total flux quantified by total photon counts per the region of interest, i. e. , the liver, measured in mice by IVIS at Day 7 post-dosing with LNP formulations of the disclosure and a negative control (DPBS).

[0107] FIG. 8B shows the percentage change in body weight at Day 1 of mice injected with LNP formulations of the disclosure.

[0108] FIGs. 9A-9D show the levels of various cytokines that are implicated in the regulation of innate immune response, z.e., IFN-alpha (FIG. 9A), IFN-gamma (FIG. 9B), IL-6 (FIG. 9C) and IL- 18 (FIG. 9D) measured in mice following administration LNP formulations of the disclosure.

[0109] FIG. 10 shows DiD fluorescence area normalized to area of live nuclei for LNP formulations of the disclosure containing different amounts of polyglycerol-conjugated lipids and a control, and formulated with DSPE-PEG5K-Ns using a mole percentage of 0.5%.

[0110] FIG. 11 A shows the levels of mRNA cargo (pg / mL) measured by qPCR in the blood of mice (n = 3 per group) following a single dose or three doses of LNPs containing either 3% DSG-PEG2000 or 3% DODA-PG45.

[0111] FIG. 11B shows the levels of mRNA cargo (pg / mL) measured by qPCR in the blood of mice (n = 3 per group) following a single dose or three doses of LNPs containing either 3% DSG-PEG2000 or 3% DODG-PG45.

[0112] FIG. 12 is a graph that shows repeat dosing of LNPs containing 2% or 4% PG 34 does not induce an antibody response and maintains an extended blood circulation profile.

[0113] FIG. 13 is a panel of graphs that show repeat dosing of stealth LNPs containing PG50 maintained an extended blood circulation profile and are not rapidly cleared from the blood, regardless which ionizable lipid is used.

[0114] FIG. 14 shows a graph of in vivo luciferase mRNA cargo expression, as measured by the total photon counts per the region of interest, i. e. , the liver, measured in mice (n = 4 per group) by IVIS at 24 hours post-dosing of 0.05 mg / kg (on Day 0) LNP formulations containing mRNA cargo and 2%, 3%, or 4% DODA-PG45, DODA-PG34, with two different ionizable lipids, Lipid 87 and L319.

[0115] FIG. 15 is a graph of in vivo ssDNA luciferase cargo expression, as measured by the total photon counts per the region of interest, i. e. , the liver, measured in mice (n = 5 per group) by IVIS at Day 7 post dose of 0.5 mg / kg (on Day 0) for LNP formulations containing ssDNA cargo, 3% PG50 or 3% PEG, and two different ionizable lipids, Lipid 87 or L-319.

[0116] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0117] The present disclosure provides polymer-conjugated lipids, comprising, e.g., a polyglycerol (PG) conjugated to a lipid, and methods of their synthesis. The present disclosure also provides lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) comprising, inter alia, polymer-conjugated lipids of the disclosure, and methods of treatment of various disorders comprising administering to a subject in need thereof LNPs of the disclosure. The present disclosure further provides methods for treating diseases, disorders, or conditions comprising administering multiple doses of the LNPs described herein. It has been surprisingly discovered that LNPs comprising polymer-conjugated lipids of the present disclosure are characterized by low levels of undesirable opsonization-driven uptake of LNPs into non-target cells, and balanced with desirable levels of endosomal escape, thereby achieving advantageous stealth / endosomal escape tradeoff, as described herein. It has further been surprisingly discovered that the LNPs described herein can be administered in multiple doses without inducing antibody- mediated clearance of the LNPs from the blood. Moreover, it has been shown that repeat dosing of LNPs comprising a polyglycerol (PG) or a PG derivative conjugated lipid surprisingly maintained an extended blood circulation profde (e.g., increased blood ti / 2) and were not rapidly cleared when compared to LNPs comprising a polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugated lipid.

[0118] I. Definitions

[0119] Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used in connection with the present application shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methodology, protocols, and reagents, etc., described herein and as such can vary. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined solely by the claims. Definitions of common terms in immunology and molecular biology can be found in The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, 19th Edition, published by Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., 2011 (ISBN 978-0-911910-19-3); Robert S. Porter et al. (eds.), Fields Virology, 6th Edition, published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA, USA (2013), Knipe, D.M. and Howley, P.M. (ed.), The Encyclopedia of Molecular Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, published by Blackwell Science Ltd., 1999-2012 (ISBN 9783527600908); and Robert A. Meyers (ed.), Molecular Biology and Biotechnology: a Comprehensive Desk Reference, published by VCH Publishers, Inc., 1995 (ISBN 1-56081-569-8); Immunology by Werner Luttmann, published by Elsevier, 2006; Janeway's Immunobiology, Kenneth Murphy, Allan Mowat, Casey Weaver (eds.), Taylor & Francis Limited, 2014 (ISBN 0815345305, 9780815345305); Lewin's Genes XI, published by Jones & Bartlett Publishers, 2014 (ISBN- 1449659055); Michael Richard Green and Joseph Sambrook, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 4th ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., USA (2012) (ISBN 1936113414); Davis et al. Basic Methods in Molecular Biology, Elsevier Science Publishing, Inc., New York, USA (2012) (ISBN 044460149X); Laboratory Methods in Enzymology: DNA, Jon Lorsch (ed.) Elsevier, 2013 (ISBN 0124199542); Current Protocols in Molecular Biology (CPMB), Frederick M. Ausubel (ed.), John Wiley and Sons, 2014 (ISBN047150338X, 9780471503385), Current Protocols in Protein Science (CPPS), John E. Coligan (ed.), John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 2005; and Current Protocols in Immunology (CPI) (John E. Coligan, ADA M Kruisbeek, David H Margulies, Ethan M Shevach, Warren Strobe, (eds.) John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 2003 (ISBN 0471142735, 9780471142737), the contents of which are all incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

[0120] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0121] As used herein, the term “about,” when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of ±20% or ±10%, more preferably ±5%, even more preferably ±1%, and still more preferably ±0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed methods.

[0122] As used herein, any concentration range, percentage range, ratio range, or integer range is to be understood to include the value of any integer within the recited range and, when appropriate, fractions thereof (such as one tenth and one hundredth of an integer), unless otherwise indicated.

[0123] As used herein, “comprise,” “comprising,” and “comprises” are synonymous with “include”, “including”, “includes” or “contain”, “containing”, “contains” and are inclusive or open-ended terms that specifies the presence of what follows e.g. component and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-recited components, features, element, members, steps, known in the art or disclosed therein.

[0124] The term “consisting of’ refers to compositions, methods, processes, and respective components thereof as described herein, which are exclusive of any element not recited in that description of the embodiment.

[0125] As used herein the term “consisting essentially of’ refers to those elements required for a given embodiment. The term permits the presence of additional elements that do not materially affect the basic and novel or functional characteristic(s) of that embodiment of the disclosure.

[0126] As used herein the terms, “administration,” “administering” and variants thereof refers to introducing a composition or agent (e.g., an LNP, TNA, ceDNA, ssDNA, mRNA, etc.) into a subject and includes concurrent and sequential introduction of one or more compositions or agents. “Administration” can refer, e.g., to therapeutic, pharmacokinetic, diagnostic, research, placebo, and experimental methods. “Administration” also encompasses in vitro and ex vivo treatments. The introduction of a composition or agent into a subject is by any suitable route, including orally, pulmonarily, intranasally, parenterally (intravenously, intramuscularly, intraperitoneally, or subcutaneously), rectally, intralymphatically, intratumorally, or topically. Administration includes self-administration and the administration by another. Administration can be carried out by any suitable route. A suitable route of administration allows the composition or the agent to perform its intended function. For example, if a suitable route is intravenous, the composition is administered by introducing the composition or agent into a vein of the subject.

[0127] The term “immunogenicity of an LNP” or “immunogenicity of a composition comprising an LNP”, as used herein, refers to the ability of a composition comprising LNPs of the present disclosure to stimulate an undesired immune response in a subject after the LNPs of the disclosure or a composition comprising the LNPs of the disclosure are administered to the subject. In some embodiments, the immune response, e.g., before and after administration of a composition comprising LNPs of the present disclosure, may be measured by measuring levels of one or more pro- inflammatory cytokines. Exemplary pro-inflammatory cytokines that may be used to determine immunogenicity of LNPs of the present disclosure or a composition comprising LNPs of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSL), interleukin 1 alpha (IL- la), interleukin 1 beta (IL- 1 P), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8 or CXCL8), interleukin 11 (IL-11), interleukin 17 (IL-17), interleukin 18 (IL-18), interferon a (IFN-a), interferon P (IFN- ), interferon y (IFN-y), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10 or IP-10), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), CD40L, CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CCL11, tumor necrosis factor a (TNL-a), and combinations thereof.

[0128] The term “off-target delivery”, as used herein, refers to delivery of LNPs of the disclosure to non-target cells. Lor example, an LNP of the disclosure comprising GalNAc targets delivery of the LNP to hepatocytes, and off-target delivery of the LNP refers to the delivery of the LNP to random, non-target cells that are not, for example, hepatocytes. In some embodiments, the non-target cell may be a blood cell, e.g., a leukocyte, a neutrophil, an eosinophil, a basophil, a macrophage, or a monocyte. In some embodiments, the non-target cell may be an immune cell, such as a T-cell, B-cell or a macrophage. In some embodiments, the non-target cell may be a liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC cell), a spleen cell or a Kupffer cell.

[0129] After administration to a subject, an LNP may be delivered to a non-target cell, e.g., one or more of blood cells listed above, and may result in expression of a therapeutic nucleic acid (TNA) in the non-target cell, or may be degraded once engulfed by, e.g., a macrophage. In some embodiments, a reference LNP that does not contain a polygycerol-conjugated lipid, may be characterized by a higher rate of delivery to a non-target cell, e.g., one or more of blood cells listed above, as compared to an LNP of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, an LNP of the present disclosure results in an uptake level of TNA (e.g., ceDNA or mRNA) in a non-target cell, e.g., a blood cell, that is lower than that of a reference LNP. In some embodiments, the reference LNP is an LNP that does not comprise a polymer-conjugated lipid. In some embodiments, the blood cell is a cell selected from the group consisting of a red blood cell, a leukocyte, a neutrophil, a macrophage, a monocyte, a T-cell, a B-cell, a macrophage and a peripheral blood mononuclear cell.

[0130] As used herein, the term “aqueous solution” refers to a composition comprising in whole, or in part, water.

[0131] As used herein, the term “bases” includes purines and pyrimidines, which further include natural compounds adenine, thymine, guanine, cytosine, uracil, inosine, and natural analogs, and synthetic derivatives of purines and pyrimidines, which include, but are not limited to, modifications which place new reactive groups such as, but not limited to, amines, alcohols, thiols, carboxylates, and alkylhalides. As used herein, the terms “carrier” and “excipient” include any and all solvents, dispersion media, vehicles, coatings, diluents, antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic and absorption delaying agents, buffers, carrier solutions, suspensions, colloids, and the like. The use of such media and agents for pharmaceutically active substances is well known in the art. Supplementary active ingredients can also be incorporated into the compositions. The phrase “pharmaceutically- acceptable” refers to molecular entities and compositions that do not produce a toxic, an allergic, or similar untoward reaction when administered to a host.

[0132] As used herein, the term “ceDNA” refers to capsid-free closed-ended linear double stranded (ds) duplex DNA for non-viral gene transfer, synthetic or otherwise. According to some embodiments, the ceDNA is a closed-ended linear duplex (CELiD) CELiD DNA. According to some embodiments, the ceDNA is a DNA-based minicircle. According to some embodiments, the ceDNA is a minimalistic immunological-defmed gene expression (MIDGE) -vector. According to some embodiments, the ceDNA is a ministering DNA. According to some embodiments, the ceDNA is a dumbbell shaped linear duplex closed-ended DNA comprising two hairpin structures of ITRs in the 5 ’ and 3’ ends of an expression cassette. According to some embodiments, the ceDNA is a doggybone™ DNA. Detailed description of ceDNA is described in International Patent Application No. PCT / US2017 / 020828, fded March 3, 2017, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. Certain methods for the production of ceDNA comprising various inverted terminal repeat (ITR) sequences and configurations using cell-based methods are described in Example 1 of International Patent Application Nos. PCT / US 18 / 49996, filed September 7, 2018, and PCT / US2018 / 064242, filed December 6, 2018 each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Certain methods for the production of synthetic ceDNA vectors comprising various ITR sequences and configurations are described, e.g., in International Application PCT / US2019 / 14122, filed on January 18, 2019, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0133] As used herein, the term “closed-ended DNA vector” refers to a capsid-free DNA vector with at least one covalently closed end and where at least part of the vector has an intramolecular duplex structure.

[0134] As used herein, the terms “ceDNA vector” and “ceDNA” are used interchangeably and refer to a closed-ended DNA vector comprising at least one terminal palindrome. In some embodiments, the ceDNA comprises two covalently-closed ends.

[0135] As used herein, the term “ceDNA-bacmid” refers to an infectious baculovirus genome comprising a ceDNA genome as an intermolecular duplex that is capable of propagating in E. coli as a plasmid, and so can operate as a shuttle vector for baculovirus.

[0136] As used herein, the term “ceDNA-baculovirus” refers to a baculovirus that comprises a ceDNA genome as an intermolecular duplex within the baculovirus genome. As used herein, the terms “ceDNA-baculovirus infected insect cell” and “ceDNA-BIIC” are used interchangeably, and refer to an invertebrate host cell (including, but not limited to an insect cell (e.g., an Sf9 cell)) infected with a ceDNA-baculovirus.

[0137] As used herein, the term “ceDNA genome” refers to an expression cassette that further incorporates at least one inverted terminal repeat (ITR) region. A ceDNA genome may further comprise one or more spacer regions. In some embodiments the ceDNA genome is incorporated as an intermolecular duplex polynucleotide of DNA into a plasmid or viral genome.

[0138] As used herein, the terms “ssDNA”, “ssDNA construct” “ssDNA molecule”, and “ssDNA vector” refer to a linear, substantially single -stranded DNA molecule comprising a nucleic acid sequence of interest. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence of interest comprises at least one promoter or promoter set (comprising, e.g., a promoter and additional expression control elements). In some embodiments, an “ssDNA”, “ssDNA construct”, “ssDNA molecule”, or “ssDNA vector” may include at least one stem -loop structure at its 3 ’ end comprising at least one stem and one loop, and / or at least one stem -loop structure comprising at least one stem and one loop at its 5’ end. In some embodiments, an “ssDNA”, “ssDNA construct”, “ssDNA molecule”, or “ssDNA vector” may comprise an extended double-stranded region adjacent to its 3’ and / or 5’ end, and this double -stranded region may comprise the promoter region, including the promoter itself, one or more enhancers, the transcription start site, and / or other regulatory elements. In some embodiments, an “ssDNA”, “ssDNA construct”, “ssDNA molecule”, or “ssDNA vector” may further comprise double-stranded regions comprising hybridized, noncovalently-bound oligonucleotides. Although the terms “ssDNA”, “ssDNA construct” “ssDNA molecule”, and “ssDNA vector” generally refer to a linear DNA molecule, it should also be understood that in some embodiments, the term “circular ssDNA” molecule may be used to refer to circular, partially single-stranded DNA molecules comprising one fully circular strand and at least one noncovalently-bound linear strand hybridized to the fully circular strand to produce one or more double -stranded regions. Although lacking the 3’ and / or 5’ stem-loop structures described elsewhere herein for ssDNA molecules, circular ssDNA molecules are nevertheless useful for the same applications as any of the instantly described ssDNA molecules. Additional description of ssDNA molecules may be found, for example, in International Patent Application No. WO 2024 / 119017, incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.

[0139] As used herein, the term “stem-loop structure” refers to a nucleic acid sequence located at the 5 ’ and / or 3 ’ terminus of the ssDNA vectors disclosed herein, which comprises at least one partial duplex (referred to herein as a “stem”) and one loop (comprising 3 or more unbound, single-stranded nucleotides). According to some embodiments, the stem -loop structure may be an artificial sequence (e.g. , contains no sequences derived from a virus), or it may be derived in part or entirely from a virus (e.g. an AAV such as AAV2). An ssDNA molecule may further comprise one stem-loop structure (e.g., a “hairpin”), or more than one stem-loop structure (e.g, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more stem-loop structures). For example, an ssDNA molecule may comprise two stem-loop structures (e.g., a “hammerhead”, “doggy-bone”, or “dumbbell”), three stem-loop structures (e.g., “cruciform”), or more complex structures. A stem -loop structure may further comprise an aptamer sequence or one or more chemical modifications.

[0140] In some embodiments, a stem -loop structure at the 3 ’ and / or 5 ’ ends of an ssDNA molecule may be referred to as an “inverted terminal repeat” or “ITR”. For the purposes of the disclosure herein, the terms “inverted terminal repeat” and “ITR” are not intended to represent only viral-derived sequences, but are intended to refer to any sequence, fully synthetic or viral -derived, that contain inverted, palindromic sequences that can self-hybridize to form a stem -loop structure.

[0141] As used herein, the terms “DNA regulatory sequences,” “control elements,” and “regulatory elements,” are used interchangeably herein, and refer to transcriptional and translational control sequences, such as promoters, enhancers, polyadenylation signals, terminators, protein degradation signals, and the like, that provide for and / or regulate transcription of a non-coding sequence (e.g., DNA-targeting RNA) or a coding sequence (e.g., site-directed modifying polypeptide, or Cas9 / Csnl polypeptide) and / or regulate translation of an encoded polypeptide.

[0142] As used herein, an “ITR” or “stem-loop structure” can be artificially synthesized using a set of oligonucleotides comprising one or more desirable functional sequences (e.g., palindromic sequence, RBS). The ITR sequence can be an AAV ITR, an artificial non-AAV ITR, or an ITR physically derived from a viral AAV ITR (e.g., ITR fragments removed from a viral genome). For example, the ITR can be derived from the family Parvoviridae, which encompasses parvoviruses and dependoviruses (e.g., canine parvovirus, bovine parvovirus, mouse parvovirus, porcine parvovirus, human parvovirus B-19), or the SV40 hairpin that serves as the origin of SV40 replication can be used as an ITR, which can further be modified by truncation, substitution, deletion, insertion and / or addition. Parvoviridcie family viruses consist of two subfamilies: Parvovirincie, which infect vertebrates, and Densovirinae , which infect invertebrates. Dependoparvoviruses include the viral family of the adeno-associated viruses (AAV) which are capable of replication in vertebrate hosts including, but not limited to, human, primate, bovine, canine, equine and ovine species. Typically, ITR sequences can be derived not only from AAV, but also from Parvovirus, lentivirus, goose virus, Bl 9, in the configurations of wildtype, “doggy bone” and “dumbbell shape”, symmetrical or even asymmetrical ITR orientation. Although the ITRs are typically present in both 5’ and 3’ ends of an AAV vector, an ITR can be present in only one of end of the linear vector. For example, the ITR can be present on the 5’ end only. In some other cases, the ITR can be present on the 3’ end only in synthetic AAV vector. For convenience herein, an ITR located 5’ to (“upstream of’) an expression cassette in a synthetic AAV vector (e.g., ceDNA or ssDNA) is referred to as a “5’ ITR” or a “left ITR”, and an ITR located 3’ to (“downstream of’) an expression cassette in a vector or synthetic AAV is referred to as a “3’ ITR” or a “right ITR”.

[0143] As used herein, a “wild-type ITR” or “WT-ITR” refers to the sequence of a naturally occurring ITR sequence in an AAV genome or other dependovirus that remains, e.g., Rep binding activity and Rep nicking ability. The nucleotide sequence of a WT-ITR from any AAV serotype may slightly vary from the canonical naturally occurring sequence due to degeneracy of the genetic code or drift, and therefore WT-ITR sequences encompasses for use herein include WT-ITR sequences as result of naturally occurring changes (e.g., a replication error).

[0144] As used herein, the term “substantially symmetrical WT-ITRs” or a “substantially symmetrical WT-ITR pair” refers to a pair of WT-ITRs within a synthetic AAV vector that are both wild type ITRs that have an inverse complement sequence across their entire length. For example, an ITR can be considered to be a wild-type sequence, even if it has one or more nucleotides that deviate from the canonical naturally occurring canonical sequence, so long as the changes do not affect the physical and functional properties and overall three-dimensional structure of the sequence (secondary and tertiary structures). In some aspects, the deviating nucleotides represent conservative sequence changes. As one non-limiting example, a sequence that has at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the canonical sequence (as measured, e.g., using BLAST at default settings), and also has a symmetrical three-dimensional spatial organization to the other WT-ITR such that their 3D structures are the same shape in geometrical space. The substantially symmetrical WT-ITR has the same A, C-C’ and B-B’ loops in 3D space. A substantially symmetrical WT-ITR can be functionally confirmed as WT by determining that it has an operable Rep binding site (RBE or RBE’) and terminal resolution site (trs) that pairs with the appropriate Rep protein. One can optionally test other functions, including transgene expression under permissive conditions.

[0145] As used herein, the phrases of “modified ITR” or “mod-ITR” or “mutant ITR” are used interchangeably and refer to an ITR with a mutation in at least one or more nucleotides as compared to the WT-ITR from the same serotype. The mutation can result in a change in one or more of A, C, C’, B, B’ regions in the ITR, and can result in a change in the three-dimensional spatial organization (i.e., its 3D structure in geometric space) as compared to the 3D spatial organization of a WT-ITR of the same serotype.

[0146] As used herein, the term “asymmetric ITRs” also referred to as “asymmetric ITR pairs” refers to a pair of ITRs within a single synthetic AAV genome that are not inverse complements across their full length. As one non-limiting example, an asymmetric ITR pair does not have a symmetrical three- dimensional spatial organization to their cognate ITR such that their 3D structures are different shapes in geometrical space. Stated differently, an asymmetrical ITR pair have the different overall geometric structure, z.e., they have different organization of their A, C-C’ and B-B’ loops in 3D space (e.g. , one ITR may have a short C-C’ arm and / or short B-B’ arm as compared to the cognate ITR). The difference in sequence between the two ITRs may be due to one or more nucleotide addition, deletion, truncation, or point mutation. In one embodiment, one ITR of the asymmetric ITR pair may be a wild-type AAV ITR sequence and the other ITR a modified ITR as defined herein (e.g., a nonwild-type or synthetic ITR sequence). In another embodiment, neither ITRs of the asymmetric ITR pair is a wild-type AAV sequence and the two ITRs are modified ITRs that have different shapes in geometrical space (z.e., a different overall geometric structure). In some embodiments, one mod-ITRs of an asymmetric ITR pair can have a short C-C’ arm and the other ITR can have a different modification (e.g., a single arm, or a short B-B’ arm etc.) such that they have different three- dimensional spatial organization as compared to the cognate asymmetric mod-ITR.

[0147] As used herein, the term “symmetric ITRs” refers to a pair of ITRs within a single stranded AAV genome that are wild-type or mutated (e.g., modified relative to wild-type) dependoviral ITR sequences and are inverse complements across their full length. In one non-limiting example, both ITRs are wild type ITRs sequences from AAV2. In another example, neither ITRs are wild type ITR AAV2 sequences (z.e., they are a modified ITR, also referred to as a mutant ITR), and can have a difference in sequence from the wild type ITR due to nucleotide addition, deletion, substitution, truncation, or point mutation. For convenience herein, an ITR located 5’ to (upstream of) an expression cassette in a synthetic AAV vector is referred to as a “5 ’ ITR” or a “left ITR”, and an ITR located 3 ’ to (downstream of) an expression cassette in a synthetic AAV vector is referred to as a “3 ’ ITR” or a “right ITR”.

[0148] As used herein, the terms “substantially symmetrical modified-ITRs” or a “substantially symmetrical mod-ITR pair” refers to a pair of modified-ITRs within a synthetic AAV that are both that have an inverse complement sequence across their entire length. For example, the modified ITR can be considered substantially symmetrical, even if it has some nucleotide sequences that deviate from the inverse complement sequence so long as the changes do not affect the properties and overall shape. As one non-limiting example, a sequence that has at least 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the canonical sequence (as measured using BLAST at default settings), and also has a symmetrical three-dimensional spatial organization to their cognate modified ITR such that their 3D structures are the same shape in geometrical space. Stated differently, a substantially symmetrical modified-ITR pair have the same A, C-C’ and B-B’ loops organized in 3D space. In some embodiments, the ITRs from a mod-ITR pair may have different reverse complement nucleotide sequences but still have the same symmetrical three-dimensional spatial organization - that is both ITRs have mutations that result in the same overall 3D shape. For example, one ITR (e.g., 5’ ITR) in a mod-ITR pair can be from one serotype, and the other ITR (e.g. , 3 ’ ITR) can be from a different serotype, however, both can have the same corresponding mutation (e.g. , if the 5 ’ITR has a deletion in the C region, the cognate modified 3 ’ITR from a different serotype has a deletion at the corresponding position in the C’ region), such that the modified ITR pair has the same symmetrical three- dimensional spatial organization. In such embodiments, each ITR in a modified ITR pair can be from different serotypes (e.g., AAV1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12) such as the combination of AAV2 and AAV6, with the modification in one ITR reflected in the corresponding position in the cognate ITR from a different serotype. In one embodiment, a substantially symmetrical modified ITR pair refers to a pair of modified ITRs (mod-ITRs) so long as the difference in nucleotide sequences between the ITRs does not affect the properties or overall shape and they have substantially the same shape in 3D space. As a non-limiting example, a mod-ITRthat has at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to the canonical mod-ITR as determined by standard means well known in the art such as BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool), or BLASTN at default settings, and also has a symmetrical three-dimensional spatial organization such that their 3D structure is the same shape in geometric space. A substantially symmetrical mod-ITR pair has the same A, C-C’ and B-B’ loops in 3D space, e.g., if a modified ITR in a substantially symmetrical mod-ITR pair has a deletion of a C-C’ arm, then the cognate mod-ITR has the corresponding deletion of the C-C’ loop and also has a similar 3D structure of the remaining A and B-B’ loops in the same shape in geometric space of its cognate mod-ITR.

[0149] As used herein, the phrase an “effective amount” or “therapeutically effective amount” of an active agent or therapeutic agent, such as a therapeutic nucleic acid, is an amount sufficient to produce the desired effect, e.g., inhibition of expression of a target sequence in comparison to the expression level detected in the absence of a therapeutic nucleic acid. Suitable assays for measuring expression of a target gene or target sequence include, e.g., examination of protein or RNA levels using techniques known to those of skill in the art such as dot blots, northern blots, in situ hybridization, ELISA, immunoprecipitation, enzyme function, as well as phenotypic assays known to those of skill in the art.

[0150] As used herein, the term “expression” refers to the cellular processes involved in producing RNA and proteins and as appropriate, secreting proteins, including where applicable, but not limited to, for example, transcription, transcript processing, translation and protein folding, modification and processing. As used herein, the phrase “expression products” include RNA transcribed from a gene (e.g., transgene), and polypeptides obtained by translation of mRNA transcribed from a gene.

[0151] As used herein, the term “expression vector” refers to a vector that directs expression of an RNA or polypeptide from sequences linked to transcriptional regulatory sequences on the vector. The sequences expressed will often, but not necessarily, be heterologous to the host cell. An expression vector may comprise additional elements, for example, the expression vector may have two replication systems, thus allowing it to be maintained in two organisms, for example in human cells for expression and in a prokaryotic host for cloning and amplification. The expression vector may be a recombinant vector.

[0152] As used herein, the term “flanking” refers to a relative position of one nucleic acid sequence with respect to another nucleic acid sequence. Generally, in the sequence ABC, B is flanked by A and C. The same is true for the arrangement AxBxC. Thus, a flanking sequence precedes or follows a flanked sequence but need not be contiguous with, or immediately adjacent to the flanked sequence.

[0153] As used herein, the term “spacer region” refers to an intervening sequence that separates functional elements in a vector or genome. In some embodiments, spacer regions keep two functional elements at a desired distance for optimal functionality. In some embodiments, the spacer regions provide or add to the genetic stability of the vector or genome. In some embodiments, spacer regions facilitate ready genetic manipulation of the genome by providing a convenient location for cloning sites and a gap of design number of nucleotide.

[0154] As used herein, the terms “expression cassette” and “expression unit” are used interchangeably, and refer to a heterologous DNA sequence that is operably linked to a promoter or other DNA regulatory sequence sufficient to direct transcription of a transgene of a DNA vector, e.g., synthetic AAV vector. Suitable promoters include, for example, tissue specific promoters. Promoters can also be of AAV origin.

[0155] As used herein, a “vector” or “expression vector” is a replicon, which can be a nucleic acid construct designed for delivery to a host cell or for transfer between different host cells. As used herein, a vector can be viral or non-viral in origin in the final form. For the purpose of the present disclosure, a “vector” generally refers to synthetic, capsid-free AAV, for example a single-stranded (ss) synthetic vector or a nicked ceDNA vector. Accordingly, the term “vector” encompasses any genetic element that is capable of replication or expression when associated with the proper control elements and that can transfer gene sequences to cells. In some embodiments, a vector can be a recombinant vector or an expression vector. It is to be understood that the term “single -stranded (ss) synthetic vector” as used herein includes a single -stranded AAV-like vector that may not have any viral sequence(s).

[0156] As used herein, the term “genetic disease” refers to a disease, partially or completely, directly or indirectly, caused by one or more abnormalities in the genome, especially a condition that is present from birth and can be treated by a single -stranded (ssDNA) molecule as described herein. The abnormality may be a mutation, an insertion or a deletion. The abnormality may affect the coding sequence of the gene or its regulatory sequence. The genetic disease may be, but not limited to phenylketonuria (PKU), melanoma, hemophilia A (clotting factor VIII (FVIII) deficiency) and hemophilia B (clotting factor IX (FIX) deficiency), cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s disease (Huntington’s chorea), familial hypercholesterolemia (LDL receptor defect), hepatoblastoma, Wilson’s disease, congenital hepatic porphyria, inherited disorders of hepatic metabolism, Lesch- Nyhan syndrome, sickle cell disease, thalassemias, xeroderma pigmentosum, Fanconi anemia, retinitis pigmentosa, ataxia telangiectasia, Bloom syndrome, retinoblastoma, and mucopolysaccharide storage diseases (e.g., Hurler syndrome (MPS Type I), Scheie syndrome (MPS Type I S), Hurler-Scheie syndrome (MPS Type I H-S), Hunter syndrome (MPS Type II), Sanfilippo Types A, B, C, and D (MPS Types III A, B, C, and D), Morquio Types A and B (MPS IVA and MPS IVB), Maroteaux- Lamy syndrome (MPS Type VI), Sly syndrome (MPS Type VII), hyaluronidase deficiency (MPS Type IX)), Niemann-Pick Disease Types A / B, Cl and C2, Fabry disease, Schindler disease, GM2- gangliosidosis Type II (Sandhoff Disease), Tay-Sachs disease, Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, Krabbe disease, Mucolipidosis Type I, II / III and IV, Sialidosis Types I and II, Glycogen Storage disease Types I and II (Pompe disease), Gaucher disease Types I, II and III, cystinosis, Batten disease, Aspartylglucosaminuria, Salla disease, Danon disease (LAMP-2 deficiency), Lysosomal Acid Lipase (LAL) deficiency, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (CLN1-8, INCL, and LINCL), sphingolipidoses, and galactosialidosis. Also included in genetic disorders are amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, spinocerebellar ataxia, spinal muscular atrophy, Friedreich’s ataxia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Becker muscular dystrophies (BMD), dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB), ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase 1 deficiency, generalized arterial calcification of infancy (GACI), Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA, e.g., LCA10 [CEP290]), Stargardt macular dystrophy (ABCA4), and Cathepsin A deficiency.

[0157] As used herein, the terms “autoimmune disease”, “autoimmune disorder”, and “autoimmune condition” refer to diseases, disorders, and / or conditions that result when a subject’s own immune system attacks the subject’s own tissues and / or cells, as if they were foreign (e.g., as if they were a foreign pathogen or infectious agent). Autoimmune diseases or disorders may include, but are not limited, to, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, type I diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, Crohn’s disease, Celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Addison’s disease, dermatomyositis, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), Guillain-Barre syndrome, myasthenia gravis, autoimmune vasculitis, pernicious anemia, vitiligo, systemic sclerosis, scleroderma, diffuse scleroderma, limited scleroderma, linear scleroderma, localized scleroderma, hemolytic anemia, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), achantholysis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, adult-onset Still disease, allergic glomerulonephritis, ANCA associated vasculitis, ankylosing spondylitis, anti-glomerular basement membrane disease, anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis, antiphospholipid syndrome, antisynthetase syndrome, autoimmune gastritis, autoimmune hypophysitis, autoimmune liver disease, autoimmune lung disease, autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome, autoimmune pancreatitis, autoimmune polyendocrinopathy candidiasis ectodermal dystrophy, autoimmune skin disease, autoimmune thyroiditis, autoimmune uveitis, Behcet diseae, bullous pemphigoid, Churg Strauss syndrome, dermatitis herpetiformis, endocrine ophthalmopathy, erythematous pemphigus, Felty syndrome, Giant cell arteritis, IgA glomerulonephritis, membranous glomerulonephritis, Goodpasture syndrome, Granulomatosis with polyangiitis, Graves’ ophthalmopathy, Hailey Hailey syndrome, heparin induced thrombocytopenia, autoimmune hepatitis, idiopathic hypoparathryroidism, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, IgA pemphigus, immune complex nephritis, immunoglobulin A nephropathy, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, linear IgA bullous dermatosis, lupus nephritis, lupus vasculitis, microscopic polyangiitis, morphea, mucous membrane phemphigoid, myasthenia gravis, nonarticular rheumatism, sympathetic ophthalmia, opsoclonous myoclonus syndrome, paraneoplastic pemphigus, pemphigoid, pemphigoid gestationis, pemphigus, pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigus vulgaris, pernicious anemia, autoimmune polyendocrinopathies, polyradiculoneuropathy, postpartum thyroiditis, primary biliary cirrhosis, rheumatic disease, rheumatic heart disease, rheumatoid polymyalgia, rheumatoid nodule, rheumatoid vasculitis, stiff-person syndrome, CREST syndrome, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, sarcoidosis, and uveomeningoencephalitic syndrome. Autoimmune diseases, disorders, and conditions may be idiopathic (that is, they occur without any perceived cause), or they may be induced, by, e.g., treatments (drugs or other types of therapy) or infectious agents (e.g., an immune response mounted against a virus or bacteria that then also attacks the subject’s own cells and / or tissues).

[0158] The phrase “disease, disorder or condition associated with an elevated expression of a tumor antigen” as used herein is meant to include, but is not limited to, a disease associated with expression of a tumor antigen as described herein or condition associated with cells which express a tumor antigen as described herein including, e.g., proliferative diseases such as a cancer or malignancy or a precancerous condition such as a myelodysplasia, a myelodysplastic syndrome or a preleukemia; or a noncancer related indication associated with cells which express a tumor antigen as described herein. In some aspects, a cancer associated with expression of a tumor antigen as described herein is a hematological cancer. In some aspects, a cancer associated with expression of a tumor antigen as described herein is a solid cancer. Further diseases associated with expression of a tumor antigen described herein include, but not limited to, e.g., atypical and / or non-classical cancers, malignancies, precancerous conditions or proliferative diseases associated with expression of a tumor antigen as described herein. Non-cancer related indications associated with expression of a tumor antigen as described herein include, but are not limited to, e.g., autoimmune disease, (e.g., lupus), inflammatory disorders (allergy and asthma) and transplantation. In some embodiments, the tumor antigenexpressing cells express, or at any time expressed, mRNA encoding the tumor antigen. In an embodiment, the tumor antigen-expressing cells produce the tumor antigen protein (e.g., wild-type or mutant), and the tumor antigen protein may be present at normal levels or reduced levels. In an embodiment, the tumor antigen-expressing cells produced detectable levels of a tumor antigen protein at one point, and subsequently produced substantially no detectable tumor antigen protein.

[0159] The term “cancer” as used herein refers to a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of aberrant cells. Cancer cells can spread locally or through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body. Examples of various cancers include but are not limited to, breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, skin cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, renal cancer, liver cancer, brain cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, lung cancer and the like.

[0160] The terms “peptide,” “polypeptide,” and “protein” are used interchangeably herein, and refer to a polymeric form of amino acids of any length, which can include chemically or biochemically modified or derivatized amino acids, and polypeptides having modified peptide backbones.

[0161] According to some embodiments, a polypeptide of the disclosure is an ApoE or an ApoB polypeptide. According to some embodiments, the ApoE polypeptide is a functional fragment (or a functional portion) of the full length ApoE polypeptide. According to some embodiments, the ApoE polypeptide is a functional fragment (or a functional portion) of the full length ApoB polypeptide. According to some embodiments, the ApoE polypeptide is 30 amino acids in length or less. According to some embodiments, the ApoB polypeptide is 30 amino acids in length or less.

[0162] As used herein, the term “lipid” refers to a group of organic compounds that include, but are not limited to, esters of fatty acids and are characterized by being insoluble in water, but soluble in many organic solvents. They are usually divided into at least three classes: (1) “simple lipids,” which include fats and oils as well as waxes; (2) “compound lipids,” which include phospholipids and glycolipids; and (3) “derived lipids” such as steroids.

[0163] Representative examples of phospholipids include, but are not limited to, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidic acid, palmitoyloleoyl phosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylethanolamine, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, dioleoylphosphatidylcholine, distearoylphosphatidylcholine, and dilinoleoylphosphatidylcholine. Other compounds lacking in phosphorus, such as sphingolipid, glycosphingolipid families, diacylglycerols, and P-acyloxyacids, are also within the group designated as amphipathic lipids. Additionally, the amphipathic lipids described above can be mixed with other lipids including triglycerides and sterols.

[0164] As used herein, the term “polyglycerol” refers to an organic compound that is a polymeric condensation product of glycerol. Polyglycerols obtained from the dehydration of glycerol can have linear, branched, or cyclic structures. In some embodiments, the polyglycerol of the disclosure is linear or branched. In one embodiment, the polyglycerol is linear. In one embodiment, the polyglycerol is branched. In some embodiments, the term “polyglycerol” encompasses a population of polyglycerol molecules. A population of polyglycerol molecules may comprise a distribution of polyglycerol molecules of different lengths, z.e., a distribution of polyglycerol molecules comprising different numbers of monomeric units. Thus, the term “average molecular weight”, when used herein in reference to polyglycerol, refers to an average molecular weight of a population of polyglycerol molecules. The average molecular weight of a polyglycerol may be determined by any method known in the art, e.g. , MALDI-MS or NMR. The term “average”, when used herein in reference to the number of monomeric units present in a polyglycerol, refers to an average number of monomeric units per polyglycerol molecule in a population of polyglycerol molecules. Thus, the language, e.g., “an average of 45 monomeric units”, when used herein in reference to the number of monomeric units present in a polyglycerol, refers to an average of 45 monomeric units per polyglycerol molecule in a population of polyglycerol molecules. The average number of monomeric units per polyglycerol molecule may be calculated based on an average molecular weight of a polyglycerol.

[0165] In some embodiments, a polyglycerol may comprise an average of 8 to 100 monomeric units, e.g., an average of 8 to 40 monomeric units, an average of 15-75 monomeric units, an average of 20 to 50 monomeric units, an average of 30 to 70 monomeric units, an average of 40 to 90 monomeric units or an average of 50 to 100 monomeric units. In some embodiments, the polyglycerol of the disclosure comprises an average of 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26,

[0166] 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53,

[0167] 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80,

[0168] 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100 monomeric units.

[0169] As used herein, the term “linear”, as it refers to a polyglycerol or an aliphatic hydrocarbon chain, means that the chain is unbranched.

[0170] As used herein, the term “polyglycerol derivative” or a “PG derivative” refers to polyglycerol in which free alcohol groups have been modified. In some embodiments, the polyglycerol derivative of the disclosure is linear or branched. In one embodiment, a polyglycerol derivative is linear. In one embodiment, the polyglycerol derivative is branched.

[0171] In some embodiments, the term “polyglycerol derivative” encompasses a population of polyglycerol derivative molecules. A population of polyglycerol derivative molecules may comprise a distribution of polyglycerol derivative molecules of different lengths, z.e., distribution of polyglycerol derivative molecules comprising different numbers of monomeric units. Thus, the term “average molecular weight”, when used herein in reference to a polyglycerol derivative, refers to an average molecular weight of a population of polyglycerol derivative molecules. An average molecular weight of a polyglycerol derivative may be determined by any method known in the art, e.g., MALDI-MS or NMR. The term “average”, when used herein in reference to the number of monomeric units present in a polyglycerol derivative, refers to an average number of monomeric units per polyglycerol derivative molecule in a population of polyglycerol derivative molecules. Thus, the language, e.g., “an average of 8 monomeric units”, when used herein in reference to the number of monomeric units present in a polyglycerol derivative, refers to an average of 8 monomeric units per polyglycerol derivative molecule in a population of polyglycerol derivative molecules. An average number of monomeric units per polyglycerol derivative molecule may be calculated based on an average molecular weight of a polyglycerol derivative.

[0172] In some embodiments, a polyglycerol derivative of the disclosure may comprise an average of 8 to 100 monomeric units, e.g., an average of 8 to 40 monomeric units, an average of 15-75 monomeric units, an average of 20 to 50 monomeric units, an average of 30 to 70 monomeric units, an average of 40 to 90 monomeric units or an average of 50 to 100 monomeric units. In some embodiments, the polyglycerol of the disclosure comprises an average of 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,

[0173] 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40,

[0174] 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67,

[0175] 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94,

[0176] 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100 monomeric units.

[0177] In some embodiments, a polyglycerol derivative may be a carboxylated polyglycerol, z.e., a polyglycerol in which the free alcohol groups have been modified by converting them into a moiety comprising one or more carboxylate groups, e.g., 2 -carboxy cyclohexane-1 -carboxylated polyglycerol. In some embodiments, a polyglycerol derivative may be a glutarylated polyglycerol, i.e., a polyglycerol in which free alcohol groups have been modified by converting them into a glutarate or a glutarate derivative, e.g., 3-methyl glutarylated polyglycerol. In some embodiments, a polyglycerol derivative may be conjugated to a lipid moiety. In some embodiments, a polyglycerol derivative may be conjugated to a lipid moiety represented by Formula (I) as described herein. In some embodiments, a polyglycerol derivative that is conjugated to a lipid moiety is represented by the following structural formula: wherein: n is an integer ranging from 8 to 100; and

[0178] R is selected from the group consisting

[0179] As used herein, the term “hydrophobic tail” refers to a hydrocarbon chain, i.e., a chain containing carbon and hydrogen atoms, that can be saturated or unsaturated. In one embodiment, the hydrophobic tail may comprise 10-30 carbon atoms, e.g., 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, or 22 carbon atoms. In some embodiments, the hydrocarbon chain of a hydrophobic tail is unsaturated, z.e., does not comprise double or triple bonds. In other embodiments, the hydrocarbon chain of a hydrophobic tail is unsaturated, comprising one or more double bonds and / or one or more triple bonds. In some embodiments, the hydrocarbon chain may be a linear chain. In other embodiments, the hydrocarbon chain may be a branched chain. Non-limiting examples of backbone hydrophobic tail of the present disclosure include the hydrophobic tails present in lauric acid, myristic acid, myristoleic acid, octadecylamine, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, palmitoleic acid, sapienic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, vaccenic acid, linoleic acid, linoelaidic acid, a-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and a derivative thereof.

[0180] As used herein, the term “click chemistry reaction product” refers to a moiety formed by two click chemistry reagents of a “click pair”. In some embodiments, the click chemistry reaction product is a product of a reaction between: a) a tetrazine reagent (z. e. , a reagent comprising a tetrazine moiety) and a transcyclooctene reagent (i. e. , a reagent comprising a transcyclooctene moiety); b) a tetrazine reagent and a norbomene reagent (z'.e., a reagent comprising a norbomene moiety); or c) a an azide reagent (z'.e., a reagent comprising an azide moiety) and an alkyne reagent, e.g., a dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO) reagent. As used herein, the term “lipid-anchored polymer”, which may be used herein interchangeably with the term “lipid conjugate”, refers to a molecule comprising a lipid moiety covalently attached to a polymer via a linker. Without wishing to be bound by a specific theory, it is believed that a lipid-anchored polymer can inhibit aggregation of LNPs and provide steric stabilization. As used herein, the terms “lipid-anchored polymer” and “polymer-conjugated lipid” may be used interchangeably. Exemplary lipid-anchored polymers include, but are not limited to polymer-conjugated lipids as described herein, PEGylated lipids such as, e.g., PEG coupled to dialkyloxypropyls (e.g., PEG-DAA conjugates), PEG coupled to diacylglycerols (e.g., PEG-DAG conjugates), PEG coupled to dimyristolglycerol (e.g., PEG-DMG), PEG coupled to distearoyl glycerol (e.g., PEG-DSG), PEG coupled to poly(2 -methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (e.g., PEG-PMPC), PEG coupled to l,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphoethanolamine (e.g., PEG-DSPE), polyglycerol coupled to dioctadecylamine (e.g., DODA-PG), PEG coupled to cholesterol, PEG coupled to phosphatidylethanolamines, and PEG conjugated to ceramides (see, e.g., U.S. Patent No. 5,885,613), cationic PEG lipids, polyoxazoline (POZ)-lipid conjugates (e.g., POZ-DAA conjugates; see, e.g., U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 294,828, filed Jan. 13, 2010, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 295,140, filed Jan. 14, 2010), polyamide oligomers (e.g., ATTA-lipid conjugates), and mixtures thereof. Additional examples of POZ -lipid conjugates are described in International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2010 / 006282. PEG, PG or POZ can be conjugated directly to the lipid or may be linked to the lipid via a linker moiety. Any linker moiety suitable for coupling the PEG, PG or the POZ to a lipid can be used including, e.g., non-ester containing linker moieties and ester-containing linker moieties. In certain preferred embodiments, non-ester containing linker moieties, such as amides or carbamates, are used. The disclosures of each of the above patent documents are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0181] Exemplary linkers that may be used to conjugate a lipid moiety to the polymer in a lipid- anchored polymer of the present disclosure may be selected from the group consisting of an alkyl linker, a glycerol linker, a phosphate linker, a phosphate ester linker, an ether linker, an ester linker, a diester linker (e.g. , a glutaryl linker, a succinyl linker), an amide linker, a diamide linker, an amine linker, a peptide linker, a phosphoethanolamine linker, a phosphocholine linker, a carbamate linker, a diamide alkyl linker, a cleavable linker, a click reaction product, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the linker may be selected from the group consisting of -(CH:),,-. -C(O)(CH2)n-, - C(O)O(CH2)n-, -OC(O)(CH2)nC(O)O-, and -NH(CH2)nC(O)O-, wherein n is an integer ranging from 1 to 20. In some embodiments, the linker is -C(O)(CH2)n-, and wherein n is 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. In one specific embodiment, n is 4.

[0182] As used herein, the term “lipid encapsulated” refers to a lipid particle that provides an active agent or therapeutic agent, such as a nucleic acid (e.g., a ceDNA), with full encapsulation, partial encapsulation, or both. In a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid is fully encapsulated in the lipid particle (e.g., to form a nucleic acid containing lipid particle). As used herein, the terms “lipid particle” or “lipid nanoparticle” or “LNP” refers to a lipid formulation that can be used to deliver a therapeutic agent such as nucleic acid therapeutics to a target site of interest (e.g., cell, tissue, organ, and the like). In one embodiment, the lipid particle of the disclosure is a nucleic acid containing lipid particle, which is typically formed from a cationic lipid, a non-cationic lipid, and optionally a conjugated lipid that prevents aggregation of the particle. In other preferred embodiments, a therapeutic agent such as a therapeutic nucleic acid may be encapsulated in the lipid portion of the particle, thereby protecting it from enzymatic degradation. In one embodiment, the lipid particle comprises a nucleic acid (e.g., ceDNA, ssDNA, mRNA, etc.) and a lipid comprising one or more tertiary amino groups, one or more phenyl ester bonds and a disulfide bond.

[0183] According to some embodiments, lipid particles of the disclosure typically have a mean diameter of from about 20 nm to about 75 nm, about 20 nm to about 70 nm, about 25 nm to about 75 nm, about 25 nm to about 70 nm, from about 30 nm to about 75 nm, from about 30 nm to about 70 nm, from about 35 nm to about 75 nm, from about 35 nm to about 70 nm, from about 40 nm to about 75 nm, from about 40 nm to about 70 nm, from about 45 nm to about 75 nm, from about 50 nm to about 75 nm, from about 50 nm to about 70 nm, from about 60 nm to about 75 nm, from about 60 nm to about 70 nm, from about 65 nm to about 75 nm, from about 65 nm to about 70 nm, or about 20 nm, about 25 nm, about 30 nm, about 35 nm, about 40 nm, about 45 nm, about 50 nm, about 51 nm, about 52 nm, about 53 nm, about 54 nm, about 55 nm, about 56 nm, about 57 nm, about 58 nm, about 59 nm about 60 nm, about 61 nm, about 62 nm, about 63 nm, about 64 nm, about 65 nm, about 66 nm, about 67 nm, about 68 nm, about 69 nm, about 70 nm, about 71 nm, about 72 nm, about 73 nm, about 74 nm, or about 75 nm (± 3 nm) in size.

[0184] Generally, the LNPs of the disclosure have a mean diameter selected to provide an intended therapeutic effect. For example, the LNPs of the disclosure have a mean diameter that is compatible with a target organ, such that the LNPs of the disclosure are able to diffuse through the fenestrations of a target organ (e.g., liver) or a target cell subpopulation (e.g., hepatocytes).

[0185] According to some embodiments, the lipid particles of the disclosure typically have a mean diameter of less than about 75 nm, less than about 70 nm, less than about 65 nm, less than about 60 nm, less than about 55 nm, less than about 50 nm, less than about 45 nm, less than about 40 nm, less than about 35 nm, less than about 30 nm, less than about 25 nm, less than about 20 nm in size.

[0186] As used herein, the term “cationic lipid” refers to any lipid that is positively charged at physiological pH. The cationic lipid in the lipid particles may comprise, e.g., one or more cationic lipids such as l,2-dilinoleyloxy-N,N -dimethylaminopropane (DLinDMA), l,2-dilinolenyloxy-N,N- dimethylaminopropane (DLenDMA), l,2-di-y-linolenyloxy-N,N-dimethylaminopropane (y- DLenDMA), 2, 2-dilinoleyl-4-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-[ 1,3] -dioxolane (DLin-K-C2-DMA), 2,2- dilinoleyl-4-dimethylaminomethyl-[ 1,3] -dioxolane (DLin-K-DMA), “SS-cleavable lipid”, or a mixture thereof. In some embodiments, a cationic lipid can also be an ionizable lipid, i.e., an ionizable cationic lipid, i.e. The term “cationic lipids” also encompasses lipids that are positively charged at any pH, e.g., lipids comprising quaternary amine groups, i.e., quarternary lipids. Any cationic lipid described herein comprising a primary, secondary or tertiary amine group may be converted to a corresponding quaternary lipid, for example, by treatment with chloromethane (CH3C1) in acetonitrile (CH3CN) and chloroform (CHCI3).

[0187] As used herein, the term “ionizable lipid” refers to a lipid, e.g., cationic lipid, having at least one protonatable or deprotonatable group, such that the lipid is positively charged at a pH at or below physiological pH (e.g., pH 7.4), and neutral at a second pH, preferably at or above physiological pH. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the addition or removal of protons as a function of pH is an equilibrium process, and that the reference to a charged or a neutral lipid refers to the nature of the predominant species and does not require that all of the lipids be present in the charged or neutral form. Generally, ionizable lipids have a pKa of the protonatable group in the range of about 4 to about 7. In some embodiments, ionizable lipid may include “cleavable lipid” or “SS- cleavable lipid”.

[0188] As used herein, the term “neutral lipid” refers to any of a number of lipid species that exist either in an uncharged or neutral zwitterionic form at a selected pH. At physiological pH, such lipids include, for example, diacylphosphatidylcholine, diacylphosphatidylethanolamine, ceramide, sphingomyelin, cephalin, cholesterol, cerebrosides, and diacylglycerols.

[0189] As used herein, the term “non-cationic lipid” refers to any amphipathic helper lipid as well as any other neutral lipid or anionic lipid.

[0190] As used herein, the term “cleavable lipid” or “SS-cleavable lipid” refers to an ionizable lipid comprising a disulfide bond cleavable unit. Cleavable lipids may include cleavable disulfide bond (“ss”) containing lipid-like materials that comprise a pH-sensitive amine, e.g. , a tertiary amine, and self-degradable phenyl ester. For example, a SS-cleavable lipid can be an ss-OP lipid (COATSOME® SS-OP), an ss-M lipid (COATSOME® SS-M), an ss-E lipid (COATSOME® SS-E), an ss-EC lipid (COATSOME® SS-EC), an ss-LC lipid (COATSOME® SS-LC), an ss-OC lipid (COATSOME® SS- OC), and an ss-PalmE lipid (see, for example, Formulae I-IV), or a lipid described by Togashi et al., (2018) Journal of Controlled Release “A hepatic pDNA delivery system based on an intracellular environment sensitive vitamin E -scaffold lipid-like material with the aid of an anti-inflammatory drug” 279:262-270. Additional examples of cleavable lipids are described in US Patent No. 9,708,628, and US Patent No. 10,385,030, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In one embodiment, cleavable lipids comprise a tertiary amine, which responds to an acidic compartment, e.g., an endosome or lysosome for membrane destabilization and a disulfide bond that can be cleaved in a reducing environment, such as the cytoplasm. In one embodiment, a cleavable lipid is a cationic lipid. In one embodiment, a cleavable lipid is an ionizable cationic lipid. Cleavable lipids are described in more detail herein. As used herein, the term “organic lipid solution” refers to a composition comprising in whole, or in part, an organic solvent having a lipid.

[0191] As used herein, the term “liposome” refers to lipid molecules assembled in a spherical configuration encapsulating an interior aqueous volume that is segregated from an aqueous exterior. Liposomes are vesicles that possess at least one lipid bilayer. Liposomes are typical used as carriers for drug / therapeutic delivery in the context of pharmaceutical development. They work by fusing with a cellular membrane and repositioning its lipid structure to deliver a drug or active pharmaceutical ingredient. Liposome compositions for such delivery are typically composed of phospholipids, especially compounds having a phosphatidylcholine group, however these compositions may also include other lipids.

[0192] As used herein, the term “local delivery” refers to delivery of an active agent such as an interfering RNA (e.g., siRNA) directly to a target site within an organism. For example, an agent can be locally delivered by direct injection into a disease site such as a tumor or other target site such as a site of inflammation or a target organ such as the liver, heart, pancreas, kidney, and the like.

[0193] As used herein, the term “nucleic acid” refers to a polymer containing at least two nucleotides (z.e., deoxyribonucleotides or ribonucleotides) in either single- or double -stranded form and includes DNA, RNA, and hybrids thereof. DNA may be in the form of, e.g., antisense molecules, plasmid DNA, DNA-DNA duplexes, pre-condensed DNA, PCR products, vectors (Pl, PAC, BAC, YAC, artificial chromosomes), expression cassettes, chimeric sequences, chromosomal DNA, or derivatives and combinations of these groups. DNA may be in the form of minicircle, plasmid, bacmid, minigene, ministring DNA (linear covalently closed DNA vector), closed-ended linear duplex DNA (CELiD or ceDNA), doggybone™ DNA, dumbbell shaped DNA, minimalistic immunological- defined gene expression (MIDGE) -vector, viral vector or nonviral vectors. RNA may be in the form of small interfering RNA (siRNA), Dicer-substrate dsRNA, small hairpin RNA (shRNA), asymmetrical interfering RNA (aiRNA), microRNA (miRNA), messenger RNA (mRNA), rRNA, tRNA, gRNA, viral RNA (vRNA), and combinations thereof. Nucleic acids include nucleic acids containing known nucleotide analogs or modified backbone residues or linkages, which are synthetic, naturally occurring, and non-naturally occurring, and which have similar binding properties as the reference nucleic acid. Examples of such analogs and / or modified residues include, without limitation, phosphorothioates, phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (morpholino), phosphoramidates, methyl phosphonates, chiral-methyl phosphonates, 2’-O-methyl ribonucleotides, locked nucleic acid (LNA™), and peptide nucleic acids (PNAs). Unless specifically limited, the term encompasses nucleic acids containing known analogues of natural nucleotides that have similar binding properties as the reference nucleic acid. Unless otherwise indicated, a particular nucleic acid sequence also implicitly encompasses conservatively modified variants thereof (e.g., degenerate codon substitutions), alleles, orthologs, SNPs, and complementary sequences as well as the sequence explicitly indicated. As used herein, the phrases “nucleic acid therapeutic”, “therapeutic nucleic acid” and “TNA” are used interchangeably and refer to any modality of therapeutic using nucleic acids as an active component of therapeutic agent to treat a disease or disorder. As used herein, these phrases refer to RNA-based therapeutics and DNA-based therapeutics. Non-limiting examples of RNA-based therapeutics include mRNA, antisense RNA and oligonucleotides, ribozymes, aptamers, interfering RNAs (RNAi), Dicer-substrate dsRNA, small hairpin RNA (shRNA), asymmetrical interfering RNA (aiRNA), microRNA (miRNA) or guide RNA (gRNA). Non-limiting examples of DNA-based therapeutics include minicircle DNA, minigene, viral DNA (e.g., Lentiviral or AAV genome) or non- viral synthetic DNA vectors, closed-ended linear duplex DNA (ceDNA / CELiD), single stranded DNA (ssDNA) molecules, plasmids, bacmids, DOGGYBONE™ DNA vectors, minimalistic immunological-defmed gene expression (MIDGE)-vector, nonviral ministring DNA vector (linear- covalently closed DNA vector), or dumbbell-shaped DNA minimal vector (“dumbbell DNA”).

[0194] As used herein, “nucleotides” contain a sugar deoxyribose (DNA) or ribose (RNA), a base, and a phosphate group. Nucleotides are linked together through the phosphate groups.

[0195] As used herein, the terms “single-stranded DNA molecule”, “ssDNA molecule”, or “SSD molecule” refer to a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecule comprising at least one single-stranded nucleic acid sequence flanked by at least one stem -loop structure at the 3’ end. In some embodiments, the single -stranded DNA molecule further comprises at least one stem-loop structure at the 5’ end. As used herein, a single-stranded DNA molecule may comprise regions of double-stranded DNA (or partial duplexes), e.g., a stem-loop structure, e.g., an inverted terminal repeat or portion thereof, at the terminal end(s), e.g., the 3’ end and / or the 5’ end. In some embodiments, a ssDNA molecule is a synthetic ssDNA molecule. In some embodiments, a ssDNA molecule comprises at least one stemloop structure at the 5’ end and at least one stem -loop structure at the 3’ end.

[0196] As used herein, the term “single -stranded (ss) synthetic DNA molecules”, “single-stranded (ss) synthetic vectors”, “synthetic production of ss DNA molecules” and “synthetic production of ss vectors” refers to a single-stranded (ss) synthetic DNA molecule (ssDNA), a single -stranded vector and synthetic production methods thereof in an entirely cell-free environment. The production may involve one or more molecules in a manner that does not involve replication or other multiplication of the molecule by or inside of a cell or using a cellular extract. Synthetic production avoids contamination of the produced molecule with cellular contaminants, e.g. , cellular proteins or cellular nucleic acid, viral protein or DNA, insect protein or DNA and further minimizes unwanted cellular- specific modification of the molecule during the production process, e.g., methylation or glycosylation or other post-translational modification.

[0197] As used herein, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” includes any of the standard pharmaceutical carriers, such as a phosphate buffered saline solution, water, emulsions such as an oil / water or water / oil, and various types of wetting agents. The term also encompasses any of the agents approved by a regulatory agency of the US Federal government or listed in the US Pharmacopeia for use in animals, including humans, as well as any carrier or diluent that does not cause significant irritation to a subject and does not abrogate the biological activity and properties of the administered compound.

[0198] As used herein, the term “gap” refers to a discontinued portion of synthetic DNA vector of the present disclosure, creating a stretch of single stranded DNA portion in otherwise double stranded ceDNA. The gap can be 1 nucleotide to 100 nucleotides in length in one strand of a duplex DNA. Typical gaps, designed and created by the methods described herein and synthetic vectors generated by the methods can be, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59 or 60 nt long in length. Exemplified gaps in the present disclosure can be 1 nt to 10 nt long, 1 to 20 nt long, 1 to 30 nt long in length.

[0199] As used herein, the term “nick” refers to a discontinuity in a double stranded DNA molecule where there is no phosphodiester bond between adjacent nucleotides of one strand typically through damage or enzyme action. It is understood that one or more nicks allow for the release of torsion in the strand during DNA replication and that nicks are also thought to play a role in facilitating binding of transcriptional machinery.

[0200] As used herein, the term “ceDNA” refers to capsid-free closed-ended linear double-stranded (ds) duplex DNA for non-viral gene transfer, synthetic or otherwise. Detailed description of ceDNA is described in International Patent Application No. PCT / US2017 / 020828, fded March 3, 2017, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. Certain methods for the production of ceDNA comprising various inverted terminal repeat (ITR) sequences and configurations using cell-based methods are described in Example 1 of International applications PCT / US 18 / 49996, filed September 7, 2018, and PCT / US2018 / 064242, filed December 6, 2018 each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Certain methods for the production of synthetic ceDNA vectors comprising various ITR sequences and configurations are described, e.g., in International application PCT / US2019 / 14122, filed January 18, 2019, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. As used herein, the terms “ceDNA vector” and “ceDNA” are used interchangeably. According to some embodiments, the ceDNA is a closed-ended linear duplex (CELiD) CELiD DNA. According to some embodiments, the ceDNA is a DNA-based minicircle. According to some embodiments, the ceDNA is a minimalistic immunological -defined gene expression (MIDGE) -vector. According to some embodiments, the ceDNA is a ministring DNA. According to some embodiments, the ceDNA is a doggybone™ DNA. According to some embodiments, the ceDNA comprises one or more phosphorothioate-modified nucleotides. According to some embodiments, the ceDNA comprises no phosphorothioate-modified nucleotides.

[0201] As used herein, the term “neDNA” or “nicked ceDNA” refers to a closed-ended DNA having a nick or a gap of 1-100 nucleotides in a stem region or spacer region upstream of an open reading frame (e.g., a promoter and transgene to be expressed). As used herein, the terms “inverted terminal repeat” or “ITR” refer to a nucleic acid sequence located at the 5’ and / or 3’ terminus of the ssDNA molecules disclosed herein, which comprises at least one stem-loop structure comprising a partial duplex and at least one loop.

[0202] As used herein, the term “stem-loop structure” refers to a nucleic acid structure comprising at least one double-stranded region (referred to herein as a “stem”) and at least one single-stranded region (referred to herein as a “loop”). In some embodiments, a stem -lop structure is a hairpin structure. In some embodiments, a stem -loop structure comprises more than one stem and more than one loop. In some embodiments, a loop is located at the end of a stem (such that a single loop connects the two strands of a duplex stem, e.g., as in a hairpin structure). In some embodiments, a loop may be located between two stems (which may be referred to herein as a “bulge” or a “bubble”), such that the loop connects two strands of different stems. In some embodiments, as described in more detail herein, a stem-loop structure may comprise more complex secondary structures comprising multiple stems and multiple loops.

[0203] According to some embodiments, the 5’ and / or 3’ terminus of certain ssDNA molecules comprise inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) of about 145 nucleotides at both ends, or fragments thereof. The terminal 125 nucleotides in each ITR form a palindromic double-stranded T-shaped hairpin structure, in which the A-A' palindrome forms the stem, and the two smaller palindromes, B-B' and the C-C, form the cross-arms of the T. The other 20 nucleotides in ITR remain single -stranded, and are called the D sequence. The D(-) sequence (also referred to herein as “the ssD(-) sequence”) is at the 3' end, and the complementary D(+) sequence (also referred to herein as “the ssD(+) sequence”) is at the 5' end. Second-strand DNA synthesis turns both ssD(-) and ssD(+) sequences into a doublestranded (ds) D(±) sequence, each of which comprises a D region and a D’ region. Ling et al. J Virol. 2015 Jan 15 ;89(2):952-61, WO2016081927A2, incorporated by reference in its entirety herein, described ssD(+)-sequence-substituted ssAAV genomes. ssD(-) and ssD(+) have been reported to contain one or more transcription factor binding sites and to be required for packaging and replication (Ling et al. J Virol. 2015 Jan 15 ;89(2): 952-61 ; WO2016081927A2, incorporated by reference in its entirety herein).

[0204] According to some embodiments, the ITR may be a viral ITR (e.g., AAV or other dependo virus), a sequence derived or modified from a viral ITR (e.g., truncation, deletion, substitution, insertion and / or addition), or an entirely artificial sequence (e.g., the ITRs contain no sequences derived from a virus). The ITR may further comprise one stem-loop structure (e.g., a “hairpin”), or more than one stem-loop structure. For example, the ITR may comprise two stem-loop structures (e.g., a “hammerhead”, “doggy-bone”, or “dumbbell”), three stem-loop structures (e.g., “cruciform”), or more complex structures (e.g., quadruplex stem-loop structure). The ITR may comprise an aptamer sequence or one or more chemical modifications. The ITR can be made entirely out of an aptamer sequence having at least one stem region and at least one loop region.

[0205] As used herein, the term “substantially symmetrical WT-ITRs” or a “substantially symmetrical WT-ITR pair” refers to a pair of WT-ITRs within a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) molecule that are both wild type ITRs that have an inverse complement sequence across their entire length. For example, an ITR can be considered to be a wild-type sequence, even if it has one or more nucleotides that deviate from the canonical naturally occurring canonical sequence, so long as the changes do not affect the physical and functional properties and overall three-dimensional structure of the sequence (secondary and tertiary structures). In some aspects, the deviating nucleotides represent conservative sequence changes. As one non-limiting example, a sequence that has at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the canonical sequence (as measured, e.g, using BLAST at default settings), and also has a symmetrical three-dimensional spatial organization to the other WT- ITR such that their 3D structures are the same shape in geometrical space. The substantially symmetrical WT-ITR has the same ssD(-) / ssD(+), A-A’, C-C’ and B-B’ loops in 3D space. A substantially symmetrical WT-ITR can be functionally confirmed as WT by determining that it has an operable Rep binding site (RBE or RBE’) and terminal resolution site (TRS) that pairs with the appropriate Rep protein. One can optionally test other functions, including transgene expression under permissive conditions.

[0206] As used herein, the phrases “modified ITR” or “mod-ITR” or “mutant ITR” are used interchangeably and refer to an ITR with a mutation in at least one or more nucleotides as compared to the WT-ITR from the same serotype. The mutation can result in a change in one or more of ssD(-) or ssD(+), A, A’, C, C’, B, B’ regions in the ITR, and can result in a change in the three-dimensional spatial organization (z.e., its 3D structure in geometric space) as compared to the 3D spatial organization of a WT-ITR of the same serotype.

[0207] The terms “polynucleotide” and “nucleic acid,” used interchangeably herein, refer to a polymeric form of nucleotides of any length, either ribonucleotides or deoxyribonucleotides. Thus, this term includes single, double, or multi-stranded DNA or RNA, genomic DNA, cDNA, DNA-RNA hybrids, or a polymer including purine and pyrimidine bases or other natural, chemically or biochemically modified, non-natural, or derivatized nucleotide bases. “Oligonucleotide” generally refers to polynucleotides of between about 5 and about 100 nucleotides of single- or double-stranded DNA. However, for the purposes of this disclosure, there is no upper limit to the length of an oligonucleotide. Oligonucleotides are also known as “oligomers” or “oligos” and may be isolated from genes, or chemically synthesized by methods known in the art. The terms “polynucleotide” and “nucleic acid” should be understood to include, as applicable to the embodiments being described, single-stranded (such as sense or antisense) and double-stranded polynucleotides. According to some embodiments, the nucleic acid is a single -stranded DNA (ssDNA) molecule described by the present disclosure. DNA may be in the form of, e.g., antisense molecules, plasmid DNA, DNA-DNA duplexes, pre-condensed DNA, PCR products, vectors (Pl, PAC, BAC, YAC, artificial chromosomes), expression cassettes, chimeric sequences, chromosomal DNA, or derivatives and combinations of these groups. DNA may be in the form of minicircle, plasmid, bacmid, minigene, ministring DNA (linear covalently closed DNA vector), closed-ended linear duplex DNA (CELiD or ceDNA), doggybone (dbDNA ™) DNA, dumbbell shaped DNA, minimalistic immunological-defined gene expression (MIDGE) -vector, viral vector or nonviral vectors. RNA may be in the form of small interfering RNA (siRNA), Dicer-substrate dsRNA, small hairpin RNA (shRNA), asymmetrical interfering RNA (aiRNA), microRNA (miRNA), mRNA, rRNA, tRNA, viral RNA (vRNA), and combinations thereof. Nucleic acids include nucleic acids containing known nucleotide analogs or modified backbone residues or linkages, which are synthetic, naturally occurring, and non-naturally occurring, and which have similar binding properties as the reference nucleic acid. Examples of such analogs and / or modified residues include, without limitation, phosphorothioates, phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (morpholino), phosphoramidates, methyl phosphonates, chiral-methyl phosphonates, 2’-O-methyl ribonucleotides, locked nucleic acid (LNA™), and peptide nucleic acids (PNAs). Unless specifically limited, the term encompasses nucleic acids containing known analogues of natural nucleotides that have similar binding properties as the reference nucleic acid. Unless otherwise indicated, a particular nucleic acid sequence also implicitly encompasses conservatively modified variants thereof (e.g., degenerate codon substitutions), alleles, orthologs, SNPs, and complementary sequences as well as the sequence explicitly indicated.

[0208] An “inhibitory polynucleotide” as used herein refers to a DNA or RNA molecule that reduces or prevents expression (transcription or translation) of a second (target) polynucleotide. Inhibitory polynucleotides include antisense polynucleotides, ribozymes, and external guide sequences. The term “inhibitory polynucleotide” further includes DNA and RNA molecules, e.g., RNAi that encode the actual inhibitory species, such as DNA molecules that encode ribozymes.

[0209] “Nucleotides” contain a sugar deoxyribose (DNA) or ribose (RNA), a base, and a phosphate group. Nucleotides are linked together through the phosphate groups.

[0210] “Bases” include purines and pyrimidines, which further include natural compounds adenine, thymine, guanine, cytosine, uracil, inosine, and natural analogs, and synthetic derivatives of purines and pyrimidines, which include, but are not limited to, modifications which place new reactive groups such as, but not limited to, amines, alcohols, thiols, carboxylates, and alkylhalides.

[0211] By “receptor” is meant a polypeptide, or portion thereof, present on a cell membrane that selectively binds one or more ligands. The term “receptor” as used herein is intended to encompass the entire receptor or ligand-binding portions thereof. These portions of the receptor particularly include those regions sufficient for specific binding of the ligand to occur.

[0212] As used herein, the term “in vivo” refers to assays or processes that occur in or within an organism, such as a multicellular animal. In some of the aspects described herein, a method or use can be said to occur “in vivo” when a unicellular organism, such as a bacterium, is used. The term “ex vivo” refers to methods and uses that are performed using a living cell with an intact membrane that is outside of the body of a multicellular animal or plant, e.g., explants, cultured cells, including primary cells and cell lines, transformed cell lines, and extracted tissue or cells, including blood cells, among others. The term “in vitro” refers to assays and methods that do not require the presence of a cell with an intact membrane, such as cellular extracts, and can refer to the introducing of a programmable synthetic biological circuit in a non-cellular system, such as a medium not comprising cells or cellular systems, such as cellular extracts.

[0213] As used herein, the term “subject” refers to a human or animal, to whom treatment, including prophylactic treatment, with the therapeutic nucleic acid according to the present disclosure, is provided. Usually, the animal is a vertebrate such as, but not limited to a primate, rodent, domestic animal or game animal. Primates include but are not limited to, chimpanzees, cynomolgus monkeys, spider monkeys, and macaques, e.g., Rhesus. Rodents include mice, rats, woodchucks, ferrets, rabbits and hamsters. Domestic and game animals include, but are not limited to, cows, horses, pigs, deer, bison, buffalo, feline species, e.g., domestic cat, canine species, e.g., dog, fox, wolf, avian species, e.g., chicken, emu, ostrich, and fish, e.g., trout, catfish and salmon. In certain embodiments of the aspects described herein, the subject is a mammal, e.g., a primate or a human. A subject can be male or female. Additionally, a subject can be an infant or a child. In some embodiments, the subject can be a neonate or an unborn subject, e.g., the subject is in utero. Preferably, the subject is a mammal. The mammal can be a human, non-human primate, mouse, rat, dog, cat, horse, or cow, but is not limited to these examples. Mammals other than humans can be advantageously used as subjects that represent animal models of diseases and disorders. In addition, the methods and compositions described herein can be used for domesticated animals and / or pets. A human subject can be of any age, gender, race or ethnic group, e.g., Caucasian (white), Asian, African, black, African American, African European, Hispanic, Mideastem, etc. In some embodiments, the subject can be a patient or other subject in a clinical setting. In some embodiments, the subject is already undergoing treatment. In some embodiments, the subject is an embryo, a fetus, neonate, infant, child, adolescent, or adult. In some embodiments, the subject is a human fetus, human neonate, human infant, human child, human adolescent, or human adult. In some embodiments, the subject is an animal embryo, or non-human embryo or non-human primate embryo. In some embodiments, the subject is a human embryo.

[0214] As used herein, the phrase “subject in need” refers to a subject that (i) will be administered a ceDNA lipid particle (or pharmaceutical composition comprising a ceDNA lipid particle) according to the described disclosure, (ii) is receiving a ceDNA lipid particle (or pharmaceutical composition comprising a ceDNA lipid particle) according to the described disclosure; or (iii) has received a ceDNA lipid particle (or pharmaceutical composition comprising a ceDNA lipid particle) according to the described disclosure, unless the context and usage of the phrase indicates otherwise.

[0215] As used herein, the term “suppress,” “decrease,” “interfere,” “inhibit” and / or “reduce” (and like terms) generally refers to the act of reducing, either directly or indirectly, a concentration, level, function, activity, or behavior relative to the natural, expected, or average, or relative to a control condition. As used herein, the term “systemic delivery” refers to delivery of lipid particles that leads to a broad biodistribution of an active agent such as an interfering RNA (e.g., siRNA) within an organism. Some techniques of administration can lead to the systemic delivery of certain agents, but not others. Systemic delivery means that a useful, preferably therapeutic, amount of an agent is exposed to most parts of the body. To obtain broad biodistribution generally requires a blood lifetime such that the agent is not rapidly degraded or cleared (such as by first pass organs (liver, lung, etc.) or by rapid, nonspecific cell binding) before reaching a disease site distal to the site of administration. Systemic delivery of LNPs can be by any means known in the art including, for example, intravenous, subcutaneous, and intraperitoneal. In a preferred embodiment, systemic delivery of LNPs is by intravenous delivery.

[0216] As used herein, the terms “effective amount”, which may be used interchangeably with the terms “therapeutic amount”, “therapeutically effective amount”, an “amount effective”, or “pharmaceutically effective amount” of an active agent (e.g., a ceDNA as described herein), refers to an amount that is sufficient to provide the intended benefit of treatment or effect, e.g. , expression or inhibition of expression of a target sequence in comparison to the expression level detected in the absence of a therapeutic nucleic acid. Suitable assays for measuring expression of a target gene or target sequence include, e.g, examination of protein or RNA levels using techniques known to those of skill in the art such as dot blots, northern blots, in situ hybridization, ELISA, immunoprecipitation, enzyme function, as well as phenotypic assays known to those of skill in the art. Dosage levels are based on a variety of factors, including the type of injury, the age, weight, sex, medical condition of the patient, the severity of the condition, the route of administration, and the particular active agent employed. Thus, the dosage regimen may vary widely, but can be determined routinely by a physician using standard methods. Additionally, the terms “effective amount”, “therapeutic amount”, “therapeutically effective amounts” and “pharmaceutically effective amounts” include prophylactic or preventative amounts of the compositions of the described invention. In prophylactic or preventative applications of the described invention, pharmaceutical compositions or medicaments are administered to a patient susceptible to, or otherwise at risk of, a disease, disorder or condition in an amount sufficient to eliminate or reduce the risk, lessen the severity, or delay the onset of the disease, disorder or condition, including biochemical, histologic and / or behavioral symptoms of the disease, disorder or condition, its complications, and intermediate pathological phenotypes presenting during development of the disease, disorder or condition. It is generally preferred that a maximum dose be used, that is, the highest safe dose according to some medical judgment. The terms “dose” and “dosage” are used interchangeably herein. In one aspect of any of the aspects or embodiments herein, “therapeutic amount”, “therapeutically effective amounts” and “pharmaceutically effective amounts” refer to non-prophylactic or non-preventative applications.

[0217] As used herein the term “therapeutic effect” refers to a consequence of treatment, the results of which are judged to be desirable and beneficial. A therapeutic effect can include, directly or indirectly, the arrest, reduction, or elimination of a disease manifestation. A therapeutic effect can also include, directly or indirectly, the arrest reduction or elimination of the progression of a disease manifestation.

[0218] For any therapeutic agent described herein therapeutically effective amount may be initially determined from preliminary in vitro studies and / or animal models. A therapeutically effective dose may also be determined from human data. The applied dose may be adjusted based on the relative bioavailability and potency of the administered compound. Adjusting the dose to achieve maximal efficacy based on the methods described above and other well-known methods is within the capabilities of the ordinarily skilled artisan. General principles for determining therapeutic effectiveness, which may be found in Chapter 1 of Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 10th Edition, McGraw-Hill (New York) (2001), incorporated herein by reference, are summarized below.

[0219] Pharmacokinetic principles provide a basis for modifying a dosage regimen to obtain a desired degree of therapeutic efficacy with a minimum of unacceptable adverse effects. In situations where the drug's plasma concentration can be measured and related to therapeutic window, additional guidance for dosage modification can be obtained.

[0220] As used herein, the terms “treat,” “treating,” and / or “treatment” include abrogating, inhibiting, slowing or reversing the progression of a condition, ameliorating clinical symptoms of a condition, or preventing the appearance of clinical symptoms of a condition, obtaining beneficial or desired clinical results. Treating further refers to accomplishing one or more of the following: (a) reducing the severity of the disorder; (b) limiting development of symptoms characteristic of the disorder(s) being treated; (c) limiting worsening of symptoms characteristic of the disorder(s) being treated; (d) limiting recurrence of the disorders) in patients that have previously had the disorder(s); and (e) limiting recurrence of symptoms in patients that were previously asymptomatic for the disorder(s). In one aspect of any of the aspects or embodiments herein, the terms “treat,” “treating,” and / or “treatment” include abrogating, inhibiting, slowing or reversing the progression of a condition, or ameliorating clinical symptoms of a condition.

[0221] Beneficial or desired clinical results, such as pharmacologic and / or physiologic effects include, but are not limited to, preventing the disease, disorder or condition from occurring in a subject that may be predisposed to the disease, disorder or condition but does not yet experience or exhibit symptoms of the disease (prophylactic treatment), alleviation of symptoms of the disease, disorder or condition, diminishment of extent of the disease, disorder or condition, stabilization (z.e., not worsening) of the disease, disorder or condition, preventing spread of the disease, disorder or condition, delaying or slowing of the disease, disorder or condition progression, amelioration or palliation of the disease, disorder or condition, and combinations thereof, as well as prolonging survival as compared to expected survival if not receiving treatment. As used herein, the term “combination therapy” refers to treatment regimens for a clinical indication that comprise two or more therapeutic agents. Thus, the term refers to a therapeutic regimen in which a first therapy comprising a first composition (e.g., active ingredient) is administered in conjunction with a second therapy comprising a second composition (active ingredient) to a patient, intended to treat the same or overlapping disease or clinical condition. The first and second compositions may both act on the same cellular target, or discrete cellular targets. The phrase “in conjunction with,” in the context of combination therapies, means that therapeutic effects of a first therapy overlaps temporarily and / or spatially with therapeutic effects of a second therapy in the subject receiving the combination therapy. Thus, the combination therapies may be formulated as a single formulation for concurrent administration, or as separate formulations, for sequential administration of the therapies.

[0222] As used herein, the term “alkyl” refers to a saturated monovalent hydrocarbon radical of 1 to 20 carbon atoms (i.e. , CMO alkyl). “Monovalent” means that alkyl has one point of attachment to the remainder of the molecule. In one embodiment, the alkyl has 1 to 12 carbon atoms (z.e., C1-12 alkyl) or 1 to 10 carbon atoms (z.e., CMO alkyl). In one embodiment, the alkyl has 1 to 8 carbon atoms (z.e., Ci- 8 alkyl), 1 to 7 carbon atoms (z.e., C1-7 alkyl), 1 to 6 carbon atoms (z.e., C1-6 alkyl), 1 to 4 carbon atoms (z.e., C1.4 alkyl), or 1 to 3 carbon atoms (z.e., C1-3 alkyl). Examples include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, 1 -propyl, 2-propyl, 1 -butyl, 2 -methyl- 1 -propyl, 2-butyl, 2 -methyl -2 -propyl, 1 -pentyl, 2- pentyl, 3-pentyl, 2-methyl-2-butyl, 3-methyl-2 -butyl, 3 -methyl- 1 -butyl, 2-methyl-l -butyl, 1-hexyl, 2- hexyl, 3-hexyl, 2-methyl-2-pentyl, 3 -methyl -2 -pentyl, 4-methyl-2-pentyl, 3 -methyl-3 -pentyl, 2- methyl -3 -pentyl, 2,3 -dimethyl -2 -butyl, 3,3-dimethyl-2-butyl, 1-heptyl, 1-octyl, and the like. A linear or branched alkyl, such as a “linear or branched CM alkyl,” “linear or branched C1.4 alkyl,” or “linear or branched CM alkyl” means that the saturated monovalent hydrocarbon radical is a linear or branched chain. As used herein, the term “linear” as referring to aliphatic hydrocarbon chains means that the chain is unbranched.

[0223] The term “alkylene” as used herein refers to a saturated divalent hydrocarbon radical of 1 to 20 carbon atoms (z.e., C1-20 alkylene), examples of which include, but are not limited to, those having the same core structures of the alkyl groups as exemplified above. “Divalent” means that the alkylene has two points of attachment to the remainder of the molecule. In one embodiment, the alkylene has 1 to 12 carbon atoms (z.e., CM 2 alkylene) or 1 to 10 carbon atoms (z.e., C O alkylene). In one embodiment, the alkylene has 1 to 8 carbon atoms (z.e., Ci-s alkylene), 1 to 7 carbon atoms (z.e., C1-7 alkylene), 1 to 6 carbon atoms (z.e., C1-6 alkylene), 1 to 4 carbon atoms (z.e., C1.4 alkylene), 1 to 3 carbon atoms (z.e., C1.3 alkylene), ethylene, or methylene. A linear or branched alkylene, such as a “linear or branched C alkylene,” “linear or branched CM alkylene,” or “linear or branched C alkylene” means that the saturated divalent hydrocarbon radical is a linear or branched chain. The term “alkenyl” refers to straight or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon radical with one or more (e.g., one or two) carbon-carbon double bonds, wherein the alkenyl radical includes radicals having “cis” and “trans” orientations, or by an alternative nomenclature, “E” and “Z” orientations.

[0224] The term “alkenylene” refers to aliphatic divalent hydrocarbon radical of 2 to 20 carbon atoms (i. e. , C2-20 alkenylene) with one or two carbon-carbon double bonds, wherein the alkenylene radical includes radicals having “cis” and “trans” orientations, or by an alternative nomenclature, “E” and “Z” orientations. “Divalent” means that alkenylene has two points of attachment to the remainder of the molecule. In one embodiment, the alkenylene has 2 to 12 carbon atoms (z.e., C2-12 alkenylene), 2 to 10 carbon atoms (z.e., C2-10 alkenylene). In one embodiment, the alkenylene has 2 to four carbon atoms (C2-4). Examples include, but are not limited to, ethylenylene or vinylene (-CH=CH-), allyl (- CH2CH=CH-), and the like. A linear or branched alkenylene, such as a “linear or branched C2-6 alkenylene,” “linear or branched C2-4 alkenylene,” or “linear or branched C2-3 alkenylene” means that the unsaturated divalent hydrocarbon radical is a linear or branched chain.

[0225] The term “cycloalkylene”, as used herein refers to a divalent saturated carbocyclic ring radical having 3 to 12 carbon atoms as a monocyclic ring, or 7 to 12 carbon atoms as a bicyclic ring. “Divalent” means that the cycloalkylene has two points of attachment to the remainder of the molecule. In one embodiment, the cycloalkylene is a 3 - to 7-membered monocyclic or 3- to 6- membered monocyclic. Examples of monocyclic cycloalkyl groups include, but are not limited to, cyclopropylene, cyclobutylene, cyclopentylene, cyclohexylene, cycloheptylene, cyclooctylene, cyclononylene, cyclodecylene, cycloundecylene, cyclododecylene, and the like. In one embodiment, the cycloalkylene is cyclopropylene.

[0226] The terms “heterocycle,” “heterocyclyl,” heterocyclic and “heterocyclic ring” are used interchangeably herein and refer to a cyclic group which contains at least one N atom has a heteroatom and optionally 1-3 additional heteroatoms selected from N and S, and are non-aromatic (z.e., partially or fully saturated). It can be monocyclic or bicyclic (bridged or fused). Examples of heterocyclic rings include, but are not limited to, aziridinyl, diaziridinyl, thiaziridinyl, azetidinyl, diazetidinyl, triazetidinyl, thiadiazetidinyl, thiazetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, isothiazolidinyl, thiazolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, hexahydropyrimidinyl, azepanyl, azocanyl, and the like. The heterocycle contains 1 to 4 heteroatoms, which may be the same or different, selected from N and S. In one embodiment, the heterocycle contains 1 to 3 N atoms. In another embodiment, the heterocycle contains 1 or 2 N atoms. In another embodiment, the heterocycle contains 1 N atom. A “4- to 8-membered heterocyclyl” means a radical having from 4 to 8 atoms (including 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from N and S, or 1 to 3 N atoms, or 1 or 2 N atoms, or 1 N atom) arranged in a monocyclic ring. A “5- or 6-membered heterocyclyl” means a radical having from 5 or 6 atoms (including 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from N and S, or 1 to 3 N atoms, or 1 or 2 N atoms, or 1 N atom) arranged in a monocyclic ring. The term “heterocycle” is intended to include all the possible isomeric forms. Heterocycles are described in Paquette, Leo A., Principles of Modern Heterocyclic Chemistry (W. A. Benjamin, New York, 1968), particularly Chapters 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9; The Chemistry of Heterocyclic Compounds, A Series of Monographs (John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1950 to present), in particular Volumes 13, 14, 16, 19, and 28; and J. Am. Chem. Soc. (1960) 82:5566. The heterocyclyl groups may be carbon (carbon-linked) or nitrogen (nitrogen-linked) attached to the rest of the molecule where such is possible.

[0227] If a group is described as being “optionally substituted,” the group may be either (1) not substituted, or (2) substituted. If a carbon of a group is described as being optionally substituted with one or more of a list of substituents, one or more of the hydrogen atoms on the carbon (to the extent there are any) may separately and / or together be replaced with an independently selected optional substituent.

[0228] Suitable substituents for an alkyl, alkylene, alkenylene, cycloalkylene, and heterocyclyl, are those which do not significantly adversely affect the biological activity of the molecule. Unless otherwise specified, exemplary substituents for these groups include linear, branched or cyclic alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, halogen, guanidinium [-NH(C=NH)NH2], -ORioo, NR101R102, -NO2, -NR101COR102, -SR100, a sulfoxide represented by -SOR101, a sulfone represented by -SO2R101, a sulfonate -SO3M, a sulfate -OSO3M, a sulfonamide represented by -SO2NR101R102, cyano, an azido, -COR101, -OCOR101, -OCONR101R102 and a polyethylene glycol unit (-OCH2CH2)nRioi wherein M is H or a cation (such as Na+or K+); R101, R102 and R103 are each independently selected from H, linear, branched or cyclic alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a polyethylene glycol unit (-OCH2CH2)n-Rio4, wherein n is an integer from 1 to 24, an aryl having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms, a heterocyclic ring having from 3 to 10 carbon atoms and a heteroaryl having 5 to 10 carbon atoms; and R104 is H or a linear or branched alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, wherein the alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclyl in the groups represented by R100, R101, R102, R103 and R104 are optionally substituted with one or more (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more) substituents independently selected from halogen, -OH, -CN, -NO2, and unsubstituted linear or branched alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Preferably, the substituent for the optionally substituted alkyl, alkylene, alkenylene, cycloalkylene, and heterocyclyl described above is selected from the group consisting of halogen, -CN, -NR101R102, -CF3, -ORioo, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, -SR101, -SOR101, -S02RIOI, and -SO3M. Alternatively, the suitable substituent is selected from the group consisting of halogen, -OH, -NO2, -CN, C1.4 alkyl, -ORioo, NR101R102, -NR101COR102, - SR100, -S02RIOI, -S02NRIOI R102, -COR101, -OCOR101, and -OCONR101R102, wherein R100, R101, and RIO2are each independently -H or C 1.4 alkyl.

[0229] The term “halogen”, as used herein, refers to F, Cl, Br or I. “Cyano” is -CN.

[0230] The terms “amine” or “amino” are used herein interchangeably and refer to a functional group that contains a basic nitrogen atom with a lone pair.

[0231] The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salt”, as used herein, refers to pharmaceutically acceptable organic or inorganic salts of an ionizable lipid of the disclosure. Exemplary salts include, but are not limited, to sulfate, citrate, acetate, oxalate, chloride, bromide, iodide, nitrate, bisulfate, phosphate, acid phosphate, isonicotinate, lactate, salicylate, acid citrate, tartrate, oleate, tannate, pantothenate, bitartrate, ascorbate, succinate, maleate, gentisinate, fumarate, gluconate, glucuronate, saccharate, formate, benzoate, glutamate, methanesulfonate “mesylate,” ethanesulfonate, benzene sulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate, pamoate (z.e., l,l’-methylene-bis-(2-hydroxy-3 -naphthoate)) salts, alkali metal (e.g., sodium and potassium) salts, alkaline earth metal (e.g., magnesium) salts, and ammonium salts. A pharmaceutically acceptable salt may involve the inclusion of another molecule such as an acetate ion, a succinate ion or other counter ion. The counter ion may be any organic or inorganic moiety that stabilizes the charge on the parent compound. Furthermore, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt may have more than one charged atom in its structure. Instances where multiple charged atoms are part of the pharmaceutically acceptable salt can have multiple counter ions. Hence, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt can have one or more charged atoms and / or one or more counter ion.

[0232] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and / or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0233] In some embodiments, the disclosure described herein does not concern a process for cloning human beings, processes for modifying the germ line genetic identity of human beings, uses of human embryos for industrial or commercial purposes or processes for modifying the genetic identity of animals which are likely to cause them suffering without any substantial medical benefit to man or animal, and also animals resulting from such processes.

[0234] Other terms are defined herein within the description of the various aspects of the disclosure. All patents and other publications; including literature references, issued patents, published patent applications, and co-pending patent applications; cited throughout this application are expressly incorporated herein by reference for the purpose of describing and disclosing, for example, the methodologies described in such publications that might be used in connection with the technology described herein. These publications are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing in this regard should be construed as an admission that the inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior disclosure or for any other reason. All statements as to the date or representation as to the contents of these documents is based on the information available to the applicants and does not constitute any admission as to the correctness of the dates or contents of these documents. The description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the disclosure are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while method steps or functions are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform functions in a different order, or functions may be performed substantially concurrently. The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to other procedures or methods as appropriate. The various embodiments described herein can be combined to provide further embodiments. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ the compositions, functions and concepts of the above references and application to provide yet further embodiments of the disclosure. Moreover, due to biological functional equivalency considerations, some changes can be made in protein structure without affecting the biological or chemical action in kind or amount. These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the detailed description. All such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

[0235] Specific elements of any of the foregoing embodiments can be combined or substituted for elements in other embodiments. Furthermore, while advantages associated with certain embodiments of the disclosure have been described in the context of these embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the disclosure.

[0236] The technology described herein is further illustrated by the following examples which in no way should be construed as being further limiting. It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited in any manner to the particular methodology, protocols, and reagents, etc., described herein and as such can vary. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined solely by the claims.

[0237] II. Polymer-Conjugated Lipids

[0238] The present disclosure provides polymer-conjugated lipids (also referred to herein as “lipid- anchored polymers”), comprising, e.g., a polyglycerol (PG) conjugated to a lipid, methods of their synthesis, and methods of treatment of various disorders comprising administering to a subject in need thereof LNPs of the disclosure. In particular, the present discosure provides novel LNPs comprising polymer-conjugated lipids that are surprisingly characterized by low levels of undesirable opsonization-driven uptake of LNPs into non-target cells, balanced with desirable levels of endosomal escape, thereby achieving advantageous stealth / endosomal escape tradeoff, as described herein. It has further been surprisingly discovered that the LNPs described herein can be administered in multiple doses without inducing antibody-mediated clearance of the LNPs from the blood, as well as well as physiological characteristics of prolonged blood circulation time (e.g., increased blood ti / 2) . In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) comprising a polymer-conjugated lipid, wherein the polymer-conjugated lipid comprises: (i) a polyglycerol (PG) or a PG derivative; (ii) a lipid moiety; and (iii) a linker conjugating the PG or the PG derivative to the lipid moiety.

[0239] In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is greater than 3 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is greater than 4 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is greater than 5 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is greater than 6 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is greater than 7 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is greater than 8 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is greater than 9 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is greater than 10 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is greater than 11 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is greater than 12 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is greater than 14 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is greater than 16 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is greater than 18 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is greater than 20 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is greater than 22 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is greater than 24 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is greater than 28 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is greater than 32 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is greater than 36 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is greater than 40 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is greater than 44 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is greater than 48 hours.

[0240] In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is less than 72 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is less than 96 hours.

[0241] In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is between about 3 hours and about 48 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is between about 4 hours and about 48 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is between about 5 hours and about 48 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is between about 6 hours and about 48 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is between about 7 hours and about 48 hours. In one embodiment, the halflife (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is between about 8 hours and about 48 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is between about 9 hours and about 48 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is between about 10 hours and about 48 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is between about 11 hours and about 48 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is between about 12 hours and about 48 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is between about 16 hours and about 48 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is between about 20 hours and about 48 hours. In one embodiment, the halflife (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is between about 24 hours and about 48 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is between about 36 hours and about 48 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is between about 8 hours and about 36 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is between about 12 hours and about 36 hours. In one embodiment, the half-life (ti / 2) of the LNP in blood in vivo is between about 24 hours and about 36 hours.

[0242] Polyglycerol and Polyglycerol Derivative

[0243] The PG or the PG derivative comprised in the polymer-conjugated lipid of the disclosure may be linear or branched. In one specific embodiment, the PG or the PG derivative is linear. In another embodiment, the PG or the PG derivative is branched.

[0244] The polymer-conjugated lipid of the disclosure may comprise PG or a PG derivative comprising an average of 5 to 100 monomeric units, e.g., an average of 10 to 100 monomeric units, e.g., an average of 10 to 40 monomeric units, an average of 15-75 monomeric units, an average of 20 to 50 monomeric units, an average of 30 to 70 monomeric units, an average of 40 to 90 monomeric units or an average of 50 to 100 monomeric units. In some embodiments, the polyglycerol of the disclosure comprises an average of 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23,

[0245] 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50,

[0246] 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77,

[0247] 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100 monomeric units.

[0248] In one embodiment, PG or the PG derivative of the disclosure comprises an average of 8 monomeric units.

[0249] In one embodiment, the PG or the PG derivative of the disclosure comprises an average of 34 monomeric units.

[0250] In one embodiment, the PG or the PG derivative of the disclosure comprises an average of 45 monomeric units.

[0251] In one embodiment, the PG or the PG derivative of the disclosure comprises an average of 46 monomeric units.

[0252] In one embodiment, the PG or the PG derivative of the disclosure comprises an average of 58 monomeric units.

[0253] In one embodiment, the polymer-conjugated lipid of the disclosure comprises PG. In one embodiment, the polymer-conjugated lipid of the disclosure comprises PG derivative.

[0254] The PG derivative comprised in the polymer-conjugated lipid of the disclosure may be a carboxylated PG, e.g., 2-carboxycyclohexane-l-carboxylated polyglycerol.

[0255] The PG derivative comprised in the polymer-conjugated lipid of the disclosure may also be a glutarylated PG, e.g., 3 -methyl glutarylated PG.

[0256] In some embodiments, the PG derivative comprised in the polymer-conjugated lipid of the disclosure is represented by the following structural formula: wherein: n is an integer ranging from 8 to 100; and

[0257] R is selected from the group consisting

[0258] Lipid Moiety

[0259] In some embodiments, a polyglycerol derivative may be conjugated to a lipid moiety.

[0260] In some embodiments, the lipid moiety comprised in the polymer-conjugated lipid of the disclosure is represented by Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

[0261] R1is absent, hydrogen, Ci-Ce alkyl, or a hydrophobic tail comprising 10-30 carbon atoms;

[0262] R2is absent, hydrogen, Ci-Ce alkyl, or a hydrophobic tail comprising 10-30 carbon atoms; wherein, when R1and R2are each hydrogen, Ci-Ce alkyl, or a hydrophobic tail comprising 10-30 carbon atoms, N is positively charged; and

[0263] R3is a hydrophobic tail comprising 10-30 carbon atoms; wherein ' / w inFormula (I) is a bond conjugating the lipid moiety and the linker.

[0264] In some embodiments, R1is absent, and R2and R3are each independently a hydrophobic tail comprising 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, or 22 carbon atoms. In some embodiments, R2and R3are each independently a hydrophobic tail comprising 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, or 22 carbon atoms. In one specific embodiment, R2and R3are each independently a hydrophobic tail comprising 18 carbon atoms, and the lipid moiety is dioctadecylamine (DODA).

[0265] Linker

[0266] The linker conjugating the polyglycerol or the polyglycerol derivative to the lipid moiety in the polymer-conjugated lipid of the present disclosure may be an alkyl linker, a glycerol linker, a phosphate linker, a phosphate ester linker, an ether linker, an ester linker, a diester linker (e.g., a glutaryl linker, a succinyl linker, etc.), an amide linker, a diamide linker, an amine linker, a peptide linker, a phosphoethanolamine linker, a phosphocholine linker, a carbamate linker, a diamide alkyl linker, a cleavable linker, or any combination thereof.

[0267] In some embodiments, the linker may be selected from the group consisting of -(CH2)n-. - C(O)(CH2)n-, -C(O)O(CH2)n, -OC(O)(CH2)nC(O)O-, and -NH(CH2)nC(O)O-, wherein n is an integer ranging from 1 to 20. In some embodiments, the linker is -C(O)(CH2)n-, and n is 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. In one embodiment, n is 4.

[0268] In some embodiments, the polymer-conjugated lipid of the disclosure is DODA-PG34 represented by the following structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

[0269] In some embodiments, the polymer-conjugated lipid of the disclosure is DODA-PG45 represented by the following structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

[0270] In some embodiments, the polymer-conjugated lipid of the disclosure is DODA-PG46 represented by the following structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

[0271] In some embodiments, the polymer-conjugated lipid of the disclosure is DODA-PG58 represented by the following structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

[0272] In some embodiments, the polymer-conjugated lipid of the disclosure may be represented by the following structure or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

[0273] The polymer-conjugated lipid of the present disclosure may also comprise a targeting moiety. The various targeting moieties that may be comprised in the polymer-conjugated lipid of the disclosure are described herein in the section “Targeting Moiety”.

[0274] The polymer-conjugated lipid of the present disclosure may also comprise a reactive species conjugated to the PG or the PG derivative. The terms “reactive species” and “reactive moiety” are used interchangeably herein. The reactive species present in the polymer-conjugated lipid of the present disclosure may be used for conjugation, e.g., to a targeting moiety which has been functionalized with a complementary reactive species, z.e., a reactive species capable of reacting with the reactive species comprised in the polymer-conjugated lipid of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the reactive species conjugated to the polymer-conjugated lipid of the present disclosure may be a thiol reagent, a maleimide reagent, or click chemistry reagent, e.g., a reagent selected from the group consisting of an alkyne reagent, such as a dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO) reagent, a transcyclooctene (TCO) reagent, a tetrazine (TZ) reagent and an azide (AZ) reagent. In some embodiments, the polymer-conjugated lipid of the present disclosure may comprise a targeting moiety that has been conjugated to the polymer-conjugated lipid via the reactive species. For example, the polymer-conjugated lipid of the present disclosure comprising an azide reagent as the reactive species may be reacted with a targeting moiety functionalized with a DBCO reagent as a complementary reactive species to produce a polymer-conjugated lipid comprising a targeting moiety. In another example, the polymer-conjugated lipid of the present disclosure comprising a thiol reagent may be reacted with a targeting moiety functionalized with a maleimide reagent to produce a polymer-conjugated lipid comprising a targeting moiety. Any targeting moiety described herein may be conjugated to a polymer-conjugated lipid of the present disclosure.

[0275] Synthesis of Polymer-Conjugated Lipid

[0276] A polymer-conjugated lipid of the present disclosure, wherein the polymer is PG, may be synthesized by a method comprising:

[0277] (a) reacting a lipid moiety which is conjugated to a linker with 2,3 -epoxy- 1-(1- ethoxyethoxyjpropane (EEGE) in the presence of a base, or in the presence of an organocatalyst, under argon atmosphere to produce a lipid moiety conjugated to a linker and polymerized EEGE; and

[0278] (b) subjecting the lipid moiety conjugated to a linker and polymerized EEGE to acidic conditions to produce the polymer-conjugated lipid.

[0279] In some embodiments, molar ratio of the lipid moiety conjugated to a linker to EEGE may be varied from about 1 :20 to about 1 : 100. For example, in step (a), the molar ratio of the lipid moiety conjugated to a linker to EEGE may be about 1:20 to about 1:40, about 1:25 to about 1:50, about 1:30 to about 1:60, about 1:50 to about 1:75 or about 1:60 to about 1: 100, e.g., about 1:20, about 1:25, about 1:30, about 1:35, about 1:40, about 1:45, about 1:50, about 1:55, about 1:60, about 1:65, about 1:70, about 1:75, about 1:80, about 1:85, about 1:90 or about 1: 100. In one embodiment, the ratio of a lipid moiety conjugated to a linker to EEGE may be about 1:50. In another embodiment, the ratio of a lipid moiety conjugated to a linker to EEGE may be about 1:60.

[0280] In some embodiments, the ratio of the lipid moiety conjugated to a linker to EEGE in step (a) determines the average number of monomeric units present in the PG portion of the polymer- conjugated lipid in the final product.

[0281] The base useful for carrying out step (a) of the method may be a phosphazene base, such as P4-t-Bu.

[0282] In some embodiments, the organocatalyst useful for carrying out step (a) of the method may be an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) or an N-heterocyclic olefin (NHO).

[0283] In some embodiments, step (a) may be carried out overnight.

[0284] The acidic conditions useful for carrying out step (b) of the method comprise a strong acid, such as hydrochloric acid (HC1). Other strong acids that may be used in this step comprise hydrobromic acid (HBr), hydroiodic acid (HI), perchloric acid (HCIO4), chloric acid (HCIO3), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and nitric acid (HNO3).

[0285] The lipid moiety may be any lipid suitable for use in the methods described herein.

[0286] In some embodiments, the lipid moiety is DODA and the lipid moiety conjugated to a linker is represented by the following structure:

[0287] In some embodiments, the polymer-conjugated lipid is DODA-PG, wherein the PG comprises an average of 5-100 monomeric units. In some embodiments, the polymer-conjugated lipid is DODA-PG34, DODA-PG45, DODA-PG46 or DODA-PG58.

[0288] III. Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs)

[0289] The present disclosure also provides lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) comprising: (i) a therapeutic nucleic acid (TNA); (ii) an ionizable lipid; (iii) a sterol; and (iv) a first lipid-anchored polymer, and optionally further comprising a helper lipid, wherein the first lipid-anchored polymer comprises the polymer-conjugated lipid of the present disclosure. Also provided herein are LNPs consisting essentially of: (i) a therapeutic nucleic acid (TNA); (ii) an ionizable lipid; (iii) a sterol; and (iv) a first lipid-anchored polymer, and optionally further consisting essentially of a helper lipid, wherein the first lipid-anchored polymer comprises the polymer-conjugated lipid of the present disclosure. Also provided herein are LNPs consisting of: (i) a therapeutic nucleic acid (TNA); (ii) an ionizable lipid; (iii) a sterol; and (iv) a first lipid-anchored polymer, and optionally further consisting of a helper lipid, wherein the first lipid-anchored polymer comprises the polymer-conjugated lipid of the present disclosure.

[0290] A. Ionizable Lipids

[0291] In some embodiments, the ionizable lipid is present in the LNP provided by the present disclosure in an amount of about 20 mol% to about 60 mol%, about 35 mol% to about 50 mol%, of the total lipid present in the LNP.

[0292] In some embodiments, the LNPs provided by the present disclosure comprise an ionizable lipid. Exemplary ionizable lipids in the LNPs of the present disclosure are described in International Patent Application Publication Nos. W02015 / 095340, WO2015 / 199952, W02018 / 011633, WO2017 / 049245, WO2015 / 061467, WO2012 / 040184, W02012 / 000104, W02015 / 074085, WO2016 / 081029, WO2017 / 004143, WO2017 / 075531, WO2017 / 117528, WO2011 / 022460, WO2013 / 148541, WO2013 / 116126, WO2011 / 153120, WO2012 / 044638, WO2012 / 054365, WO2011 / 090965, W02013 / 016058, W02012 / 162210, W02008 / 042973, W02010 / 129709, W02010 / 144740, WO2012 / 099755, WO2013 / 049328, WO2013 / 086322, WO2013 / 086373, WO2011 / 071860, W02009 / 132131, W02010 / 048536, W02010 / 088537, WO2010 / 054401, WO2010 / 054406, WO2010 / 054405, W02010 / 054384, W02012 / 016184, W02009 / 086558, WO2010 / 042877, WO2011 / 000106, WO2011 / 000107, W02005 / 120152, WO2011 / 141705, WO2013 / 126803, W02006 / 007712, WO2011 / 038160, WO2005 / 121348, WO2011 / 066651, W02009 / 127060, WO2011 / 141704, W02006 / 069782, WO2012 / 031043, W02013 / 006825, WO2013 / 033563, W02013 / 089151, WO2017 / 099823, WO2015 / 095346, WO2013 / 086354, and W02021 / 102411, and US Patent Application Publication Nos. US2016 / 0311759, US2015 / 0376115, US2016 / 0151284, US2017 / 0210697, US2015 / 0140070, US2013 / 0178541, US2013 / 0303587, US2015 / 0141678, US2015 / 0239926, US2016 / 0376224, US2017 / 0119904, US2012 / 0149894, US2015 / 0057373, US2013 / 0090372, US2013 / 0274523, US2013 / 0274504, US2013 / 0274504, US2009 / 0023673, US2012 / 0128760, US2010 / 0324120, US2014 / 0200257, US2015 / 0203446, US2018 / 0005363, US2014 / 0308304, US2013 / 0338210, US2012 / 0101148, US2012 / 0027796, US2012 / 0058144, US2013 / 0323269, US2011 / 0117125, US2011 / 0256175, US2012 / 0202871, US2011 / 0076335, US2006 / 0083780, US2013 / 0123338, US2015 / 0064242, US2006 / 0051405, US2013 / 0065939, US2006 / 0008910, US2003 / 0022649, US2010 / 0130588, US2013 / 0116307, US2010 / 0062967, US2013 / 0202684, US2014 / 0141070, US2014 / 0255472, US2014 / 0039032, US2018 / 0028664, US2016 / 0317458, and US2013 / 0195920, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0293] In some embodiments, the ionizable lipid in the LNPs of the present disclosure is MC3 (6Z,9Z,28Z,3 lZ)-heptatriaconta-6,9,28,3 l-tetraen-19-yl-4-(dimethylamino) butanoate (DLin-MC3- DMA or MC3) represented by the following structural formula:

[0294] The lipid DLin-MC3-DMA is described in Jayaraman et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed Engl. (2012), 51(34): 8529-8533, content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0295] In some embodiments, the ionizable lipid is selected from the group consisting of N-[l-(2,3- dioleyloxy)propyl]-N,N,N -trimethylammonium chloride (DOTMA); N-[l-(2,3-dioleoyloxy)propyl]- N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTAP); l,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3 -ethylphosphocholine (DOEPC); l,2-dilauroyl-sn-glycero-3 -ethylphosphocholine (DLEPC); l,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3- ethylphosphocholine (DMEPC); l,2-dimyristoleoyl-sn-glycero-3 -ethylphosphocholine ( 14: 1), N1 -[2- ((lS)-l-[(3-aminopropyl)amino]-4-[di(3-amino-propyl) aminolbutylcarboxamidoiethyl]-3,4- di[oleyloxy]-benzamide(MVL5); Dioctadecylamido-glycylspermine (DOGS); 3b-[N-(N’,N’- dimethylaminoethyl)carbamoyl] cholesterol (DC-Chol); Dioctadecyldimethylammonium Bromide (DDAB); a Saint lipid (e.g., SAINT-2, N-methyl-4-(dioleyl)methylpyridinium); 1,2- dimyristyloxypropyl -3 -dimethylhydroxyethylammonium bromide (DMRIE); 1,2-dioleoyl -3 -dimethyl - hydroxyethyl ammonium bromide (DORIE); 1,2-dioleoyloxypropyl -3 -dimethylhydroxyethyl ammonium chloride (DORI); Di-alkylated Amino Acid (DILA2) (e.g., C18: l-norArg-C16); Dioleyldimethylammonium chloride (DODAC); l-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3- ethylphosphocholine (POEPC); and l,2-dimyristoleoyl-sn-glycero-3 -ethylphosphocholine (MOEPC). In some variations, the condensing agent, e.g. a cationic lipid, is a lipid such as, e.g., Dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB), l,2-dilinoleyloxy-3 -dimethylaminopropane (DLinDMA), 2,2-dilinoleyl-4-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-[l,3]-dioxolane (DLin-KC2-DMA), heptatriaconta-6,9,28,3 l-tetraen-19-yl-4-(dimethylamino)butanoate (DLin-MC3-DMA), 1,2- Dioleoyloxy-3-dimethylaminopropane (DODAP), l,2-Dioleyloxy-3 -dimethylaminopropane (DODMA), Morpholinocholesterol (Mo-CHOL), (R)-5-(dimethylamino)pentane-l,2-diyl dioleate hydrochloride (DODAPen-Cl), (R)-5-guanidinopentane-l,2-diyl dioleate hydrochloride (DOPen-G), and (R)-N, N,N -trimethyl -4, 5-bis(oleoyloxy)pentan-l -aminium chloride(DOTAPen).

[0296] Formula (A)

[0297] In some embodiments, the ionizable lipid in the LNPs of the present disclosure is represented by Formula (A): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

[0298] R1and R1are each independently C1-3 alkylene;

[0299] R2and R2are each independently linear or branched Ci-e alkylene, or C3-6 cycloalkylene;

[0300] R3and R3are each independently optionally substituted Ci-e alkyl or optionally substituted C3-6 cycloalkyl; or alternatively, when R2is branched C1-6 alkylene and when R3is C1-6 alkyl, R2and R3, taken together with their intervening N atom, form a 4- to 8-membered heterocyclyl; or alternatively, when R2is branched Ci-6 alkylene and when R3is Ci-6 alkyl, R2and R3, taken together with their intervening N atom, form a 4- to 8-membered heterocyclyl;

[0301] R4and R4are each independently -CH, -CH2CH, or -(CH2)2CH;

[0302] R5and R5are each independently hydrogen, C1-20 alkylene or C2-20 alkenylene;

[0303] R6and R6, for each occurrence, are independently C1-20 alkylene, C3-20 cycloalkylene, or C2-20 alkenylene; and m and n are each independently an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

[0304] In some embodiments, R2and R2are each independently C1-3 alkylene.

[0305] In some embodiments, the linear or branched C1-3 alkylene represented by R1or R1, the linear or branched C1-6 alkylene represented by R2or R2, and the optionally substituted linear or branched C1-6 alkyl are each optionally substituted with one or more halo and cyano groups.

[0306] In some embodiments, R1and R2taken together are C1-3 alkylene and R1and R2taken together are C1-3 alkylene, e.g., ethylene.

[0307] In some embodiments, R3and R3are each independently optionally substituted C1-3 alkyl, e.g., methyl.

[0308] In some embodiments, R4and R4are each -CH.

[0309] In some embodiments, R2is optionally substituted branched C1-6 alkylene; and R2and R3, taken together with their intervening N atom, form a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclyl. In some embodiments, R2is optionally substituted branched Ci-e alkylene; and R2and R3, taken together with their intervening N atom, form a 5 - or 6-membered heterocyclyl, such as pyrrolidinyl or piperidinyl.

[0310] In some embodiments, R4is -C(Ra)2CRa, or -[C(Ra)2hCRaand Rais C1-3 alkyl; and R3and R4, taken together with their intervening N atom, form a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclyl. In some embodiments, R4is -C(Ra)2CRa, or [ C( R )z | zC R and Rais C1-3 alkyl; and R3and R4, taken together with their intervening N atom, form a 5 - or 6-membered heterocyclyl, such as pyrrolidinyl or piperidinyl.

[0311] In some embodiments, R5and R5are each independently C1-10 alkylene or C2-10 alkenylene. In one embodiment, R5and R5are each independently Cns alkylene or C1-6 alkylene.

[0312] In some embodiments, R6and R6, for each occurrence, are independently C1-10 alkylene, C3-10 cycloalkylene, or C2-10 alkenylene. In one embodiment, C1-6 alkylene, C3-6 cycloalkylene, or C2-6 alkenylene. In one embodiment the C3-10 cycloalkylene or the C3-6 cycloalkylene is cyclopropylene. In some embodiments, m and n are each 3.

[0313] In some embodiments, the ionizable lipid in the LNPs of the present disclosure may be selected from any one of the lipids listed in Table 1 below, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Table 1

[0314] Formula (B)

[0315] In some embodiments, the ionizable lipid in the LNPs of the present disclosure is represented by Formula (B): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: a is an integer ranging from 1 to 20 (e.g., a is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20); b is an integer ranging from 2 to 10 (e.g., b is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10); R1is absent or is selected from (C2-C2o)alkenyl, -C(0)0(C2-C2o)alkyl, and cyclopropyl substituted with (C2-C2o)alkyl; and

[0316] R2is (C2-C2o)alkyl.

[0317] In a second embodiment of Formula (B), the ionizable lipid of Formula (B) is represented by Formula (B-l): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein c and d are each independently integers ranging from 1 to 8 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8), and wherein the remaining variables are as described for Formula (B).

[0318] In a third embodiment of Formula (B), c and d in Formula (B-l) are each independently integers ranging from 2 to 8, 3 to 8, 3 to 7, 3 to 6, 3 to 5, 4 to 8, 4 to 7, 4 to 6, 5 to 8, 5 to 7, or 6 to 8, wherein the remaining variables are as described for Formula (B-l).

[0319] In a fourth embodiment of Formula (B), c in Formula (B-l) is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8, wherein the remaining variables are as described for Formula (B), or the second or third embodiment of Formula (B). Alternatively, c and d in Formula (B-l) are each independently 1, 3, 5, or 7, wherein the remaining variables are as described for Formula (B), or the second or third embodiment of Formula (B).

[0320] In a fifth embodiment of Formula (B), d in the cationic lipid of Formula (B-l) is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8, wherein the remaining variables are as described for Formula (B), or the second, third or fourth embodiments of Formula (B). Alternatively, at least one of c and d in Formula (B-l) is 7, wherein the remaining variables are as described for Formula (B), or the second, third or fourth embodiments of Formula (B).

[0321] In a sixth embodiment of Formula (B), the ionizable lipid of Formula (B) or Formula (B-l) is represented by Formula (B-2): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the remaining variables are as described for Formula (B) or Formula (B-l).

[0322] In a seventh embodiment of Formula (B), b in Formula (B), (B-l), or (B-2) is an integer ranging from 3 to 9, wherein the remaining variables are as described for Formula (B), or the second, third, fourth, fifth or sixth embodiments of Formula (B). Alternatively, b in Formula (B), (B-l), or (B-2) is an integer ranging from 3 to 8, 3 to 7, 3 to 6, 3 to 5, 4 to 9, 4 to 8, 4 to 7, 4 to 6, 5 to 9, 5 to 8, 5 to 7, 6 to 9, 6 to 8, or 7 to 9, wherein the remaining variables are as described for Formula (B), or the second, third, fourth, fifth or sixth embodiments of Formula (B). Alternatively, b in Formula (B), (B-l), or (B-2) is 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9, wherein the remaining variables are as described for Formula (B), or the second, third, fourth, fifth or sixth embodiments of Formula (B).

[0323] In an eighth embodiment of Formula (B), a in Formula (B), (B-l), or (B-2) is an integer ranging from 2 to 18, wherein the remaining variables are as described for Formula (B), or the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh embodiment of Formula (B). Alternatively, a in Formula (B), (B- 1), or (B-2) is an integer ranging from 2 to 18, 2 to 17, 2 to 16, 2 to 15, 2 to 14, 2 to 13, 2 to 12, 2 to 11, 2 to 10, 2 to 9, 2 to 8, 2 to 7, 2 to 6, 2 to 5, 2 to 4, 3 to 18, 3 to 17, 3 to 16, 3 to 15, 3 to 14, 3 to 13, 3 to 12, 3 to 11, 3 to 10, 3 to 9, 3 to 8, 3 to 7, 3 to 6, 3 to 5, 4 to 18, 4 to 17, 4 to 16, 4 to 15, 4 to 14, 4 to 13, 4 to 12, 4 to 11, 4 to 10, 4 to 9, 4 to 8, 4 to 7, 4 to 6, 5 to 18, 5 to 17, 5 to 16, 5 to 15, 5 to 14, 5 to 13, 5 to 12, 5 to 11, 5 to 10, 5 to 9, 25 to 8, 5 to 7, 6 to 18, 6 to 17, 6 to 16, 6 to 15, 6 to 14, 6 to 13, 6 to 12, 6 to 11, 6 to 10, 6 to 9, 6 to 8, 7 to 18, 7 to 17, 7 to 16, 7 to 15, 7 to 14, 7 to 13, 7 to 12, 7 to 11, 7 to 10, 7 to 9, 8 to 18, 8 to 17, 8 to 16, 8 to 15, 8 to 14, 8 to 13, 8 to 12, 8 to 11, 8 to 10, 9 to 18, 9 to 17, 9 to 16, 9 to 15, 9 to 14, 9 to 13, 9 to 12, 9 to 11, 10 to 18, 10 to 17, 10 to 16, 10 to 15, 10 to 14, 10 to 13, 11 to 18, 11 to 17, 11 to 16, 11 to 15, 11 to 14, 11 to 13, 12 to 18, 12 to 17, 12 to 16, 12 to 15, 12 to 14, 13 to 18, 13 to 17, 13 to 16, 13 to 15, 14 to 18, 14 to 17, 14 to 16, 15 to 18, 15 to 17, or 16 to 18, wherein the remaining variables are as described for Formula (B), or the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh embodiment of Formula (B). Alternatively, a in Formula (B), (B-l), or (B-2) is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18, wherein the remaining variables are as described for Formula (B), or the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh embodiment of Formula (B).

[0324] In a ninth embodiment of Formula (B), R1in Formula (B), Formula (B-l), or Formula (B-2) is absent or is selected from (C5-Ci5)alkenyl, -C(O)O(C4-Cis)alkyl, and cyclopropyl substituted with (C4-Cie)alkyl, wherein the remaining variables are as described for Formula (B), or the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh or eighth embodiments of Formula (B). Alternatively, R1in Formula (B), Formula (B-l), or Formula (B-2) is absent or is selected from (C5-Ci5)alkenyl, -C(O)O(C4-Cie)alkyl, and cyclopropyl substituted with (C4-Cie)alkyl, wherein the remaining variables are as described for Formula (B), or the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh or eighth embodiments of Formula (B). Alternatively, R1in Formula (B), Formula (B-l), or Formula (B-2) is absent or is selected from (C5- Ci2)alkenyl, -C(O)O(C4-Ci2)alkyl, and cyclopropyl substituted with (C4-Ci2)alkyl, wherein the remaining variables are as described for Formula (B), or the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh or eighth embodiments of Formula (B). In another alternative, R1in the cationic lipid of Formula (B), Formula (B-l), or Formula (B-2) is absent or is selected from (C5-Cio)alkenyl, -C(0)0(C4-Cio)alkyl, and cyclopropyl substituted with (C4-Cio)alkyl, wherein the remaining variables are as described for Formula (B), or the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh or eighth embodiments of Formula (B).

[0325] In a tenth embodiment of Formula (B), R1is C10 alkenyl, wherein the remaining variables are as described for Formula (B), or the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh or eighth embodiments of Formula (B). In an eleventh embodiment of Formula (B), the alkyl in C(0)0(C2-C2o)alkyl, -C(O)O(C4- Cis)alkyl, -C(O)O(C4-Ci2)alkyl, or -C(0)0(C4-Cio)alkyl of R1in Formula (B), Formula (B-l), or Formula (B-2) is an unbranched alkyl, wherein the remaining variables are as described for Formula (B), or the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth or ninth embodiments of Formula (B). In one embodiment, R1is -C(O)O(Cg alkyl). Alternatively, the alkyl in -C(O)O(C4-Cis)alkyl, - C(O)O(C4-Ci2)alkyl, or -C(0)0(C4-Cio)alkyl of R1in Formula (B), Formula (B-l), or Formula (B-2) is a branched alkyl, wherein the remaining variables are as described for Formula (B), Formula (B-l), or Formula (B-2), or the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth or ninth embodiments of Formula (B). In one embodiment, R1is -C(O)O(Ci? alkyl), wherein the remaining variables are as described for Formula (B), Formula (B-l), or Formula (B-2), or the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth or ninth embodiments of Formula (B).

[0326] In a twelfth embodiment of Formula (B), R1in Formula (B), Formula (B-l), or Formula (B-2) is selected from any group listed in Table 2 below, wherein the wavy bond in each of the groups indicates the point of attachment of the group to the rest of the ionizable lipid molecule, and wherein the remaining variables are as described for Formula (B), Formula (B-l), or Formula (B-2), or the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh or eighth embodiments of Formula (B). The present disclosure further contemplates the combination of any one of the R1groups in Table 2 with any one of the R2groups in Table 3 in Formula (B), wherein the remaining variables are as described for Formula (B), Formula (B-l), or Formula (B-2), or the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh or eighth embodiments of Formula (B).

[0327] Table 2

[0328] In a thirteenth embodiment, R2in Formula (B) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is selected from any group listed in Table 3 below, wherein the wavy bond in each of the groups indicates the point of attachment of the group to the rest of the ionizable lipid molecule, and wherein the remaining variables are as described for Formula (B), Formula (B-l), or Formula (B-2), or the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh or eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh or twelfth embodiments of Formula (B). Table 3

[0329] Table 4 below provides specific examples of ionizable lipids of Formula (B).

[0330] Pharmaceutically acceptable salts as well as ionized and neutral forms are also included. Table 4

[0331]

[0332] Formula (C)

[0333] In some embodiments, the ionizable lipid in the LNPs of the present disclosure are represented by Formula (C): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

[0334] R1and R1are each independently (Ci-Ce)alkylene optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from Ra;

[0335] R2and R2are each independently (Ci-C2)alkylene; R3and R3are each independently (Ci-Ce)alkyl optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from Rb; or alternatively, R2and R3and / or R2and R3are taken together with their intervening N atom to form a 4- to 7-membered heterocyclyl;

[0336] R4and R4’ are each a (C2-Ce)alkylene interrupted by -C(O)O-;

[0337] R5and R5’ are each independently a (CS-C’s-dalkyl or (C2-C3o)alkenyl, each of which are optionally interrupted with -C(O)O- or (C3-Ce)cycloalkyl; and

[0338] Raand Rbare each halo or cyano.

[0339] In a second embodiment of Formula (C), R1and R1are each independently (Ci-Ce)alkylene, wherein the remaining variables are as described above for Formula (C). Alternatively, R1and R1are each independently (Ci-C3)alkylene, wherein the remaining variables are as described above for Formula (C).

[0340] In a third embodiment of Formula (C), the ionizable lipid of the Formula (C) is represented by

[0341] Formula (C-l): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R2and R2, R3and R3, R4and R4’ and R5and

[0342] R5’ are as described above for Formula (C) or the second embodiment of Formula (C).

[0343] In a fourth embodiment, the ionizable lipid of Formula (C) is represented by Formula (C-2) or

[0344] Formula (C-3): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R4and R4’ and R5and R5’ are as described above for Formula (C).

[0345] In a fifth embodiment of Formula (C), the ionizable lipid of Formula (C) is represented by Formula (C-4) or (C-5): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R5and R5’ are as described above for Formula (C).

[0346] In a sixth embodiment of Formula (C), the ionizable lipid of Formula (C) is represented by Formula (C-6), (C-7), (C-8), or (C-9): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R5and R5’ are as described above for Formula (XV).

[0347] In a seventh embodiment of Formula (C), at least one of R5and R5in Formula (C), (C-l), (C- 2), (C-3), (C-4), (C-5), (C-6), (C-7), (C-8), or (C-9) is a branched alkyl or branched alkenyl, and the remaining variables are as described above for Formula (C) or the second embodiment of Formula (C). Alternatively, one of R5and R5in Formula (C), (C-l), (C-2), (C-3), (C-4), (C-5), (C-6), (C-7), (C-8), or (C-9) is a branched alkyl or branched alkenyl, and the remaining variables are as described above for Formula (C) or the second embodiment of Formula (C). Alternatively, R5in Formula (C), (C-l), (C-2), (C-3), (C-4), (C-5), (C-6), (C-7), (C-8), or (C-9) is a branched alkyl or branched alkenyl, and the remaining variables are as described above for Formula (C) or the second embodiment of Formula (C). Alternatively, R5in Formula (C), (C-l), (C-2), (C-3), (C-4), (C-5), (C-6), (C-7), (C-8), or (C-9) is a branched alkyl or branched alkenyl, and the remaining variables are as described above for Formula (C) or the second embodiment of Formula (C).

[0348] In an eighth embodiment of Formula (C), R5in Formula (C), (C-l), (C-2), (C-3), (C-4), (C-5), (C-6), (C-7), (C-8), or (C-9) is a (Ce-C26)alkyl or (Ce-C26)alkenyl, each of which are optionally interrupted with -C(O)O- or (C3-Ce)cycloalkyl, and the remaining variables are as described above for Formula (C) or the second embodiment of Formula (C). Alternatively, R5in Formula (C), (C-l), (C- 2), (C-3), (C-4), (C-5), (C-6), (C-7), (C-8), or (C-9) is a (C6-C26)alkyl or (C6-C26)alkenyl, each of which are optionally interrupted with -C(O)O- or (C3-C5)cycloalkyl, and the remaining variables are as described above for Formula (C) or the second embodiment of Formula (C). Alternatively, R5in Formula (C), (C-l), (C-2), (C-3), (C-4), (C-5), (C-6), (C-7), (C-8), or (C-9) is a (C7-C26)alkyl or (C7- C2e)alkenyl, each of which are optionally interrupted with -C(O)O- or (C3-C5)cycloalkyl, and the remaining variables are as described above for Formula (C) or the second embodiment of Formula (C). Alternatively, R5in Formula (C), (C-l), (C-2), (C-3), (C-4), (C-5), (C-6), (C-7), (C-8), or (C-9) is a (Cs-C2e)alkyl or (C8-C2e)alkenyl, each of which are optionally interrupted with -C(O)O- or (C3- C5)cycloalkyl, and the remaining variables are as described above for Formula (C) or the second embodiment of Formula (C). Alternatively, R5in Formula (C), (C-l), (C-2), (C-3), (C-4), (C-5), (C- 6), (C-7), (C-8), or (C-9) is a (Ce-C24)alkyl or (Ce-C24)alkenyl, each of which are optionally interrupted with -C(O)O- or cyclopropyl, and the remaining variables are as described above for Formula (C) or the second embodiment of Formula (C). Alternatively, R5in Formula (C), (C-l), (C- 2), (C-3), (C-4), (C-5), (C-6), (C-7), (C-8), or (C-9) is a (C8-C24)alkyl or (C8-C24)alkenyl, wherein said (C8-C24)alkyl is optionally interrupted with -C(O)O- or cyclopropyl, and the remaining variables are as described above for Formula (C) or the second embodiment of Formula (C). Alternatively, R5in Formula (C), (C-l), (C-2), (C-3), (C-4), (C-5), (C-6), (C-7), (C-8), or (C-9) is a (C8-Cio)alkyl, and the remaining variables are as described above for Formula (C) or the second embodiment of Formula (C). Alternatively, R5in Formula (C), (C-l), (C-2), (C-3), (C-4), (C-5), (C-6), (C-7), (C-8), or (C-9) is a (Ci4-Cie)alkyl interrupted with cyclopropyl, and the remaining variables are as described above for Formula (C) or the second embodiment of Formula (C). Alternatively, R5in Formula (C), (C-l), (C-2), (C-3), (C-4), (C-5), (C-6), (C-7), (C-8), or (C-9) is a (Cio-C24)alkyl interrupted with -C(O)O-, and the remaining variables are as described above for Formula (C) or the second embodiment of Formula (C). Alternatively, R5in Formula (C), (C-l), (C-2), (C-3), (C-4), (C-5), (C-6), (C-7), (C-8), or (C-9) is a (Cie-Ci8)alkenyl, and the remaining variables are as described above for Formula (C) or the second embodiment of Formula (C). Alternatively, R5in Formula (C), (C-l), (C-2), (C-3), (C-4), (C-5), (C-6), (C-7), (C-8), or (C-9) is -(CH2)3C(O)O(CH2)8CH3, -(CH2)5C(O)O(CH2)8CH3, - (CH2)7C(O)O(CH2)8CH3, -(CH2)7C(O)OCH[(CH2)7CH3]2, -(CH2)7-C3H6-(CH2)7CH3, -(CH2)7CH3, - (CH2)9CH3, -(CH2)16CH3, -(CH2)7CH=CH(CH2)7CH3, or -(CH2)7CH=CHCH2CH=CH(CH2)4CH3, and the remaining variables are as described above for Formula (C) or the second embodiment of Formula (C).

[0349] In a ninth embodiment, R5in Formula (C), (C-l), (C-2), (C-3), (C-4), (C-5), (C-6), (C-7), (C- 8), or (C-9) is a (Ci5-C28)alkyl interrupted with -C(O)O-, and the remaining variables are as described above for Formula (C) or the second or eighth embodiments of Formula (C). Alternatively, R5in Formula (C), (C-l), (C-2), (C-3), (C-4), (C-5), (C-6), (C-7), (C-8), or (C-9) is a (Ci7-C28)alkyl interrupted with -C(O)O-, and the remaining variables are as described above for Formula (C) or the second or eighth embodiments of Formula (C). Alternatively, R5in Formula (C), (C-l), (C-2), (C-3), (C-4), (C-5), (C-6), (C-7), (C-8), or (C-9) is a (Ci9-C28)alkyl interrupted with -C(O)O-, and the remaining variables are as described above for Formula (C) or the second or eighth embodiments of Formula (C). Alternatively, R5in Formula (C), (C-l), (C-2), (C-3), (C-4), (C-5), (C-6), (C-7), (C-8), or (C-9) is a (Ci7-C26)alkyl interrupted with -C(O)O-, and the remaining variables are as described above for Formula (C) or the second or eighth embodiments of Formula (C). Alternatively, R5in Formula (C), (C-l), (C-2), (C-3), (C-4), (C-5), (C-6), (C-7), (C-8), or (C-9) is a (Ci9-C26)alkyl interrupted with -C(O)O-, and the remaining variables are as described above for Formula (C) or the second or eighth embodiments of Formula (C). Alternatively, R5in Formula (C), (C-l), (C-2), (C-3), (C-4), (C-5), (C-6), (C-7), (C-8), or (C-9) is a (C2o-C26)alkyl interrupted with -C(O)O-, and the remaining variables are as described above for Formula (C) or the second or eighth embodiments of Formula (C). Alternatively, R5is a (C22-C24)alkyl interrupted with -C(O)O-, and the remaining variables are as described above for Formula (C) or the second or eighth embodiments of Formula (C). Alternatively, R5is -(CH2)5C(O)OCH[(CH2)7CH3]2, -(CH2)7C(O)OCH[(CH2)7CH3]2, - (CH2)5C(O)OCH(CH2)2[(CH2)7CH3]2, or -(CH2)7C(O)OCH(CH2)2|(CH2)7CH312. and the remaining variables are as described above for Formula (C) or the second or eighth embodiments of Formula (C). In some embodiments, the ionizable lipid of Formula (C), (C-l), (C-3), (C-3), (C-4), (C-5),

[0350] (C-7), (C-8), or (C-9) may be selected from any of the lipids listed in Table 5 below, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

[0351]

[0352] Formula (D) In some embodiments, the ionizable lipid, e.g., cationic lipid, in the LNPs of the present disclosure is represented by Formula (D): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

[0353] R’ is absent, hydrogen, or Ci-Ce alkyl; provided that when R’ is hydrogen or Ci-Ce alkyl, the nitrogen atom to which R’, R1, and R2are all attached is positively charged;

[0354] R1and R2are each independently hydrogen, Ci-Ce alkyl, or C2-C6 alkenyl;

[0355] R3is Ci -Ci 2 alkylene or C2-C 12 alkenylene;

[0356] R4is Ci -Ci s unbranched alkyl, C2-C18 unbranched alkenyl, or ; wherein:

[0357] R4aand R4bare each independently Ci-Cie unbranched alkyl or C2-C16 unbranched alkenyl;

[0358] R5is absent, Ci-Cs alkylene, or C2-C8 alkenylene;

[0359] R6aand R6bare each independently C7-C16 alkyl or C7-C16 alkenyl; provided that the total number of carbon atoms in R6aand R6bas combined is greater than 15; X1and X2are each independently -0C(=0)-, -SC(=O)-, -OC(=S)-, -C(=0)0-, -C(=O)S-, -S-S-, -C(Ra)=N-, -N=C(Ra)-, -C(Ra)=NO-, -O-N=C(Ra)-, -C(=O)NRa-, -NRaC(=O)-, -NRaC(=O)NRa-, -0C(=0)0-, -OSi(Ra)2O-, -C(=O)(CRa2)C(=O)O-, or OC(=O)(CRa2)C(=O)-; wherein:

[0360] Ra, for each occurrence, is independently hydrogen or Ci-Ce alkyl; and n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

[0361] In a second embodiment of Formula (D), X1and X2are the same; and all other remaining variables are as described for Formula (C).

[0362] In a third embodiment of Formula (D), X1and X2are each independently -OC(=O)-, - SC(=O)-, -OC(=S)-, -C(=O)O-, -C(=O)S-, or -S-S-; or X1and X2are each independently -C(=O)O-, - C(=O)S-, or -S-S-; or X1and X2are each independently -C(=O)O- or -S-S-; and all other remaining variables are as described for Formula (D) or the second embodiment of Formula (D).

[0363] In a fourth embodiment of Formula (D), the ionizable lipid, e.g., cationic lipid, in the LNPs of the present disclosure, is represented by Formula (D-l):

[0364] (D-l) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4; and all other remaining variables are as described for Formula (D) or the second or third embodiments of Formula (D).

[0365] In a fifth embodiment of Formula (D), the ionizable lipid, e.g., cationic lipid, in the LNPs of the present disclosure, is represented by Formula (D-2):

[0366] (D-2) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein n is an integer selected from 1, 2, and 3; and all other remaining variables are as described for Formula (D) or the second or third embodiments of Formula (D).

[0367] In a sixth embodiment of Formula (D), the ionizable lipid, e.g., cationic lipid, in the LNPs of the present disclosure is represented by Formula (D-3): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and all other remaining variables are as described for Formula (D) or the second or third embodiments of Formula (D).

[0368] In a seventh embodiment of Formula (D), in the ionizable lipid, e.g., cationic lipid, according to Formula (D), Formula (D-l), Formula (D-2), Formula (D-3), or the second or third embodiments of Formula (D), R1and R2are each independently hydrogen, Ci-Ce alkyl or C2-C6 alkenyl, or C1-C5 alkyl or C2-C5 alkenyl, or C1-C4 alkyl or C2-C4 alkenyl, or Ce alkyl, or C5 alkyl, or C4 alkyl, or C3 alkyl, or C2 alkyl, or Ci alkyl, or Ce alkenyl, or C5 alkenyl, or C4 alkenyl, or C3 alkenyl, or C2 alkenyl; and all other remaining variables are as described for Formula (D), Formula (D-l), Formula (D-2), Formula (D-3) or the second or third embodiments of Formula (D).

[0369] In an eighth embodiment of Formula (D), the ionizable lipid, e.g., cationic lipid, in the LNPs of the present disclosure is represented by Formula (D-4): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and all other remaining variables are as described for Formula (D), Formula (D-l), Formula (D-2), Formula (D-3) or the second, third or seventh embodiments of Formula (D).

[0370] In a ninth embodiment of Formula (D), in the ionizable lipid, e.g., cationic lipid, according to Formula (D), Formula (D-l), Formula (D-2), Formula (D-3), Formula (D-4) or the second, third or seventh embodiments of Formula (D), R3is C1-C9 alkylene or C2-C9 alkenylene, C1-C7 alkylene or C2- C7 alkenylene, C1-C5 alkylene or C2-C5 alkenylene, or C2-C8 alkylene or C2-C8 alkenylene, or C3-C7 alkylene or C3-C7 alkenylene, or C5-C7 alkylene or C5-C7 alkenylene; or R3is C12 alkylene, Cn alkylene, C10 alkylene, C9 alkylene, or Cs alkylene, or C7 alkylene, or Ce alkylene, or C5 alkylene, or C4 alkylene, or C3 alkylene, or C2 alkylene, or Ci alkylene, or C12 alkenylene, Cn alkenylene, C10 alkenylene, C9 alkenylene, or Cs alkenylene, or C7 alkenylene, or Ce alkenylene, or C5 alkenylene, or C4 alkenylene, or C3 alkenylene, or C2 alkenylene; and all other remaining variables are as described for Formula (D), Formula (D-l), Formula (D-2), Formula (D-3), Formula (D-4) or the second, third or seventh embodiments of Formula (D). In a tenth embodiment of Formula (D), in the ionizable lipid, e.g. , cationic lipid, according to Formula (D), Formula (D-l), Formula (D-2), Formula (D-3), Formula (D-4) or the second, third or seventh embodiments of Formula (D), R5is absent, Ci-Ce alkylene, or C2-C6 alkenylene; or R5is absent, C1-C4 alkylene, or C2-C4 alkenylene; or R5is absent; or R5is Cs alkylene, C7 alkylene, Ce alkylene, C5 alkylene, C4 alkylene, C3 alkylene, C2 alkylene, Ci alkylene, Cs alkenylene, C7 alkenylene, Ce alkenylene, C5 alkenylene, C4 alkenylene, C3 alkenylene, or C2 alkenylene; and all other remaining variables are as described for Formula (D), Formula (D-l), Formula (D-2), Formula (D-3), Formula (D-4) or the second, third, seventh, or ninth embodiments of Formula (D).

[0371] In an eleventh embodiment of Formula (D), in the ionizable lipid, e.g., cationic lipid, according to Formula (D), Formula (D-l), Formula (D-2), Formula (D-3), Formula (D-4) or the second, third, seventh, ninth or tenth embodiments of Formula (D), R4is C1-C14 unbranched alkyl, C2-

[0372] C14 unbranched alkenyl, wherein R4aand R4bare each independently C1-C12 unbranched alkyl or C2-C12 unbranched alkenyl; or R4is C2-C 12 unbranched alkyl or C2-C12 unbranched alkenyl; or R4is C5-C7 unbranched alkyl or C5-C7 unbranched alkenyl; or R4is Cie unbranched alkyl, C15 unbranched alkyl, C14 unbranched alkyl, C13 unbranched alkyl, C12 unbranched alkyl, Ci 1 unbranched alkyl, C10 unbranched alkyl, C9 unbranched alkyl, Cs unbranched alkyl, C7 unbranched alkyl, Ce unbranched alkyl, C5 unbranched alkyl, C4 unbranched alkyl, C3 unbranched alkyl, C2 unbranched alkyl, Ci unbranched alkyl, Cie unbranched alkenyl, C15 unbranched alkenyl, C14 unbranched alkenyl, C13 unbranched alkenyl, C12 unbranched alkenyl, Cn unbranched alkenyl, C10 unbranched alkenyl, C9 unbranched alkenyl, Cs unbranched alkenyl, C7 unbranched alkenyl, Ce unbranched alkenyl, C5 unbranched alkenyl, C4 unbranched alkenyl, C3 unbranched alkenyl, or C2 v>^R4balkenyl; or R4isK, wherein R4aand R4bare each independently C2-C10 unbranched alkyl or

[0373] C2-C10 unbranched alkenyl; or R4is , wherein R4aand R4bare each independently Cie unbranched alkyl, C15 unbranched alkyl, C14 unbranched alkyl, C13 unbranched alkyl, C12 unbranched alkyl, Ci 1 unbranched alkyl, C10 unbranched alkyl, C9 unbranched alkyl, Cs unbranched alkyl, C7 unbranched alkyl, Ce unbranched alkyl, C5 unbranched alkyl, C4 unbranched alkyl, C3 unbranched alkyl, C2 alkyl, Ci alkyl, C le unbranched alkenyl, C15 unbranched alkenyl, C14 unbranched alkenyl, C13 unbranched alkenyl, C12 unbranched alkenyl, Cn unbranched alkenyl, C10 unbranched alkenyl, C9 unbranched alkenyl, Cs unbranched alkenyl, C7 unbranched alkenyl, Ce unbranched alkenyl, C5 unbranched alkenyl, C4 unbranched alkenyl, C3 unbranched alkenyl, or C2 alkenyl; and all other remaining variables are as described for Formula (D), Formula (D-l), Formula (D-2), Formula (D-3), Formula (D-4) or the second, third, seventh, ninth or tenth embodiments of Formula (D).

[0374] In a twelfth embodiment, in the ionizable lipid, e.g., cationic lipid, according to Formula (D), Formula (D-l), Formula (D-2), Formula (D-3), Formula (D-4), or the second, third, seventh, ninth, tenth or eleventh embodiments of Formula (D), R6aand R6bare each independently Ce-Cu alkyl or Ce- C14 alkenyl; or R6aand R6bare each independently Cs-Ci2 alkyl or Cs-Ci2 alkenyl; or R6aand R6bare each independently Cie alkyl, C15 alkyl, C14 alkyl, C13 alkyl, C12 alkyl, Cn alkyl, C10 alkyl, C9 alkyl, Cs alkyl, C7 alkyl, Cie alkenyl, C15 alkenyl, C14 alkenyl, C13 alkenyl, C12 alkenyl, Cn alkenyl, C10 alkenyl, C9 alkenyl, Cs alkenyl, or C7 alkenyl; provided that the total number of carbon atoms in R6aand R6bas combined is greater than 15; and all other remaining variables are as described for Formula (D), Formula (D-l), Formula (D-2), Formula (D-3), Formula (D-4), or the second, third, seventh, ninth, tenth or eleventh embodiments of Formula (D).

[0375] In a thirteenth embodiment of Formula (D), in the ionizable lipid, e.g. , cationic lipid, according to Formula (D), Formula (D-l), Formula (D-2), Formula (D-3), Formula (D-4), or the second, third, seventh, ninth, tenth, eleventh or twelfth embodiments of Formula (D), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, R6aand R6bcontain an equal number of carbon atoms with each other; or R6aand R6bare the same; or R6aand R6bare both Cie alkyl, C15 alkyl, C14 alkyl, C13 alkyl, C12 alkyl, Cn alkyl, C 10 alkyl, C9 alkyl, Cs alkyl, C7 alkyl, Cie alkenyl, C15 alkenyl, C14 alkenyl, C13 alkenyl, C12 alkenyl, Cn alkenyl, C10 alkenyl, C9 alkenyl, Cs alkenyl, or C7 alkenyl; provided that the total number of carbon atoms in R6aand R6bas combined is greater than 15; and all other remaining variables are as described for Formula (D), Formula (D-l), Formula (D-2), Formula (D-3), Formula (D-4) or the second, third, seventh, ninth, tenth, eleventh or twelfth embodiments of Formula (D).

[0376] In a fourteenth embodiment of Formula (D), in the ionizable lipid, e.g., cationic lipid, according to Formula (D), Formula (D-l), Formula (D-2), Formula (D-3), Formula (D-4), or the second, third, seventh, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth or thirteenth embodiments of Formula (D), R6aand R6bas defined in any one of the preceding embodiments each contain a different number of carbon atoms with each other; or the number of carbon atoms R6aand R6bdiffers by one or two carbon atoms; or the number of carbon atoms R6aand R6bdiffers by one carbon atom; or R6ais C7 alkyl and R6ais Cs alkyl, R6ais Cs alkyl and R6ais C7 alkyl, R6ais Cs alkyl and R6ais C9 alkyl, R6ais C9 alkyl and R6ais Cs alkyl, R6ais C9 alkyl and R6ais C10 alkyl, R6ais C10 alkyl and R6ais C9 alkyl, R6ais C10 alkyl and R6ais Cn alkyl, R6ais Cn alkyl and R6ais C10 alkyl, R6ais Cn alkyl and R6ais C12 alkyl, R6ais C12 alkyl and R6ais Cn alkyl, R6ais C7 alkyl and R6ais C9 alkyl, R6ais C9 alkyl and R6ais C7 alkyl, R6ais Cs alkyl and R6ais C10 alkyl, R6ais C10 alkyl and R6ais Cs alkyl, R6ais C9 alkyl and R6ais Cn alkyl, R6ais C alkyl and R6ais C9 alkyl, R6ais C10 alkyl and R6ais C12 alkyl, R6ais C12 alkyl and R6ais C10 alkyl, R6ais Cn alkyl and R6ais C13 alkyl, or R6ais C13 alkyl and R6ais Cn alkyl, etc.; and all other remaining variables are as described for Formula I, Formula II, Formula III, Formula IV, Formula V, or the second, third, seventh, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth or thirteenth embodiments of Formula (D). In a fifteenth embodiment of Formula (D), R4is Ci-Cie unbranched alkyl, C2-C16 unbranched alkenyl, , wherein R4aand R4bare as described above for the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth or fourteenth embodiments of Formula (D). In one embodiment, the ionizable lipid, e.g., cationic lipid, of the present disclosure or the ionizable lipid of Formula (D), Formula (D-l), Formula (D-2), Formula (D-3), or Formula (D-4) is any one lipid selected from the lipids listed in Table 6 below, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:

[0377] Table 6

[0378]

[0379]

[0380] In one embodiment, the ionizable lipid in the LNPs of the present disclosure is Ionizable

[0381] Lipid 87: heptadecan-9-yl 9-((4-(dimethylamino)butanoyl)oxy)hexadecanoate or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

[0382] Formula (E)

[0383] In some embodiments, the ionizable lipid, e.g., cationic lipid, in the LNPs of the present disclosure is represented by Formula (E): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

[0384] R’ is absent, hydrogen, or C1-C3 alkyl; provided that when R’ is hydrogen or C1-C3 alkyl, the nitrogen atom to which R’, R1, and R2are all attached is positively charged;

[0385] R1and R2are each independently hydrogen or C1-C3 alkyl;

[0386] R3is C3-C10 alkylene or C3-C10 alkenylene;

[0387] R4is Ci -Ci e unbranched alkyl, C2-C16 unbranched alkenyl, or ; wherein:

[0388] R4aand R4bare each independently Ci-Cie unbranched alkyl or C2-C16 unbranched alkenyl;

[0389] R5is absent, Ci-Ce alkylene, or C2-C6 alkenylene;

[0390] R6aand R6bare each independently C7-C14 alkyl or C7-C14 alkenyl;

[0391] X is -OC(=O)-, -SC(=O)-, -OC(=S)-, -C(=O)O-, -C(=O)S-, -S-S-, -C(Ra)=N-, -N=C(Ra)-, -C(Ra)=NO-, -O-N=C(Ra)-, -C(=O)NRa-, -NRaC(=O)-, -NRaC(=O)NRa-, -OC(=O)O-, -OSi(Ra)2O-, -C(=O)(CRa2)C(=O)O-, or OC(=O)(CRa2)C(=O)-; wherein:

[0392] Ra, for each occurrence, is independently hydrogen or Ci-Ce alkyl; and n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

[0393] In a second embodiment of Formula (E), in the ionizable lipid, e.g., cationic lipid, according to the first embodiment, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, X is -OC(=O)-, -SC(=O)-, - OC(=S)-, -C(=O)O-, -C(=O)S-, or -S-S-; and all other remaining variables are as described for Formula I or the first embodiment.

[0394] In a third embodiment of Formula (E), the ionizable lipid, e.g. , cationic lipid, in the LNPs of the present disclosure is represented by Formula (E-l):

[0395] (E-l) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4; and all other remaining variables are as described for Formula (E) or the second embodiment of Formula (E). Alternatively, n is an integer selected from 1, 2, and 3; and all other remaining variables are as described for Formula (E) or the second embodiment of Formula (E).

[0396] In a fourth embodiment of Formula (E), the ionizable lipid, e.g., cationic lipid, in the LNPs of the present disclosure is represented by Formula (E-2): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and all other remaining variables are as described for Formula (E), Formula (E-l) or the second embodiment of Formula (E).

[0397] In a fifth embodiment of Formula (E), in the ionizable lipid, e.g., cationic lipid, in the LNPs of the present disclosure, R1and R2are each independently hydrogen or C1-C2 alkyl, or C2-C3 alkenyl; or R’, R1, and R2are each independently hydrogen, C1-C2 alkyl; and all other remaining variables are as described for Formula (E), Formula (E-l) or the second embodiment of Formula (E).

[0398] In a sixth embodiment of Formula (E), the ionizable lipid, e.g., cationic lipid, in the LNPs of the present disclosure is represented by Formula (E-3):

[0399] (E-3) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and all other remaining variables are as described for Formula (E), Formula (E-l), Formula (E-2) or the second or fifth embodiments of Formula (E).

[0400] In a seventh embodiment of Formula (E), in the ionizable lipid, e.g., cationic lipid, according to Formula (E), Formula (E-l), Formula (E-2), Formula (E-3) or the second or firth embodiments of Formula (E), R5is absent or Ci-Cs alkylene; or R5is absent, Ci-Ce alkylene, or C2-C6 alkenylene; or R5is absent, C1-C4 alkylene, or C2-C4 alkenylene; or R5is absent; or R5is Cs alkylene, C7 alkylene, Ce alkylene, C5 alkylene, C4 alkylene, C3 alkylene, C2 alkylene, Ci alkylene, Cs alkenylene, C7 alkenylene, Ce alkenylene, C5 alkenylene, C4 alkenylene, C3 alkenylene, or C2 alkenylene; and all other remaining variables are as described for Formula (E), Formula (E-l), Formula (E-2), Formula (E-3) or the second or fifth embodiments of Formula (E).

[0401] In an eighth embodiment of Formula (E), he ionizable lipid, e.g., cationic lipid, in the LNPs of the present disclosure is represented by Formula (E-4):

[0402] (E-4) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and all other remaining variables are as described for Formula (E), Formula (E-l), Formula (E-2), Formula (E-3) or the second, fifth or seventh embodiments of Formula (E).

[0403] In a ninth embodiment, in the ionizable lipid, e.g., cationic lipid, according to Formula (E), Formula (E-l), Formula (E-2), Formula (E-3), Formula (E-4) or the second, fifth or seventh embodiments of Formula (E), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, R4is Ci -C14 unbranched alkyl, C2-C14 unbranched alkenyl, or , wherein R4aand R4bare each independently Ci -C12 unbranched alkyl or C2-C12 unbranched alkenyl; or R4is C2-C 12 unbranched alkyl or C2-C12 unbranched alkenyl; or R4is C5-C12 unbranched alkyl or C5-C12 unbranched alkenyl; or R4is Cie unbranched alkyl, C15 unbranched alkyl, C14 unbranched alkyl, C13 unbranched alkyl, C12 unbranched alkyl, Ci 1 unbranched alkyl, C10 unbranched alkyl, C9 unbranched alkyl, Cs unbranched alkyl, C7 unbranched alkyl, Ce unbranched alkyl, C5 unbranched alkyl, C4 unbranched alkyl, C3 unbranched alkyl, C2 unbranched alkyl, Ci unbranched alkyl, Cie unbranched alkenyl, C15 unbranched alkenyl, C14 unbranched alkenyl, C13 unbranched alkenyl, C12 unbranched alkenyl, Cn unbranched alkenyl, C10 unbranched alkenyl, C9 unbranched alkenyl, Cs unbranched alkenyl, C7 unbranched alkenyl, Ce unbranched alkenyl, C5 unbranched alkenyl, C4 unbranched alkenyl, C3 unbranched alkenyl, or C2 alkenyl; or R4is , wherein R4aand R4bare each independently C2-C10 unbranched alkyl or y5 R4bp4a

[0404] C2-C10 unbranched alkenyl; or R4isK, wherein R4aand R4bare each independently Cie unbranched alkyl, C15 unbranched alkyl, C14 unbranched alkyl, C13 unbranched alkyl, C12 unbranched alkyl, Ci i unbranched alkyl, Cio unbranched alkyl, Cg unbranched alkyl, Cs unbranched alkyl, C7 unbranched alkyl, Ce unbranched alkyl, C5 unbranched alkyl, C4 unbranched alkyl, C3 unbranched alkyl, C2 alkyl, Ci alkyl, C 16 unbranched alkenyl, C15 unbranched alkenyl, C14 unbranched alkenyl, C13 unbranched alkenyl, C12 unbranched alkenyl, Cn unbranched alkenyl, Cio unbranched alkenyl, Cg unbranched alkenyl, Cs unbranched alkenyl, C7 unbranched alkenyl, Ce unbranched alkenyl, C5 unbranched alkenyl, C4 unbranched alkenyl, C3 unbranched alkenyl, or C2 alkenyl; and all other remaining variables are as described for Formula (E), Formula (E-l), Formula (E-2), Formula (E-3), Formula (E-4) or the second, fifth or seventh embodiments of Formula (E).

[0405] In a tenth embodiment, in the ionizable lipid, e.g., cationic lipid, according to Formula (E), Formula (E-l), Formula (E-2), Formula (E-3), Formula (E-4) or the second, fifth, seventh or ninth embodiments of Formula (E), R3is Cs-Cs alkylene or Cs-Cs alkenylene, C3-C7 alkylene or C3-C7 alkenylene, or C3-C5 alkylene or C3-C5 alkenylene,; or R3is Cs alkylene, or C7 alkylene, or Ce alkylene, or C5 alkylene, or C4 alkylene, or C3 alkylene, or Ci alkylene, or Cs alkenylene, or C7 alkenylene, or Ce alkenylene, or C5 alkenylene, or C4 alkenylene, or C3 alkenylene; and all other remaining variables are as described for Formula (E), Formula (E-l), Formula (E-2), Formula (E-3), Formula (E-4) or the second, fifth, seventh or ninth embodiments of Formula (E).

[0406] In an eleventh embodiment, in the ionizable lipid, e.g., cationic lipid, according to Formula (E), Formula (E-l), Formula (E-2), Formula (E-3), Formula (E-4) or the second, fifth, seventh, ninth or tenth embodiments of Formula (E), R6aand R6bare each independently C7-C12 alkyl or C7-C12 alkenyl; or R6aand R6bare each independently Cs-Cio alkyl or Cs-Cio alkenyl; or R6aand R6bare each independently C12 alkyl, Cn alkyl, Cio alkyl, Cg alkyl, Cs alkyl, C? alkyl. C12 alkenyl, Cn alkenyl, Cio alkenyl, Cg alkenyl, Cs alkenyl, or C7 alkenyl; and all other remaining variables are as described for Formula (E), Formula (E-l), Formula (E-2), Formula (E-3), Formula (E-4) or the second, fifth, seventh, ninth or tenth embodiments of Formula (E).

[0407] In a twelfth embodiment, in the ionizable lipid, e.g., cationic lipid, according to Formula (E), Formula (E-l), Formula (E-2), Formula (E-3), Formula (E-4) or the second, fifth, seventh, ninth, tenth or eleventh embodiments of Formula (E), R6aand R6bcontain an equal number of carbon atoms with each other; or R6aand R6bare the same; or R6aand R6bare both C12 alkyl, Cn alkyl, Cio alkyl, Cg alkyl, Cs alkyl, C7 alkyl, C12 alkenyl, Cn alkenyl, Cio alkenyl, Cg alkenyl, Cs alkenyl, or C7 alkenyl; and all other remaining variables are as described for Formula (E), Formula (E-l), Formula (E-2), Formula (E-3), Formula (E-4) or the second, fifth, seventh, ninth, tenth or eleventh embodiments of Formula (E).

[0408] In a thirteenth embodiment, in the ionizable lipid, e.g., cationic lipid, according to Formula (E), Formula (E-l), Formula (E-2), Formula (E-3), Formula (E-4), R6aand R6bas defined in any one of the preceding embodiments each contain a different number of carbon atoms with each other; or the number of carbon atoms R6aand R6bdiffers by one or two carbon atoms; or the number of carbon atoms R6aand R6bdiffers by one carbon atom; or R6ais C7 alkyl and R6ais Cs alkyl, R6ais Cs alkyl and R6ais C7 alkyl, R6ais Cs alkyl and R6ais Cg alkyl, R6ais Cg alkyl and R6ais Cs alkyl, R6ais Cg alkyl and R6ais C10 alkyl, R6ais C10 alkyl and R6ais Cg alkyl, R6ais C10 alkyl and R6ais Cn alkyl, R6ais Cn alkyl and R6ais C10 alkyl, R6ais Cn alkyl and R6ais C12 alkyl, R6ais C12 alkyl and R6ais Cn alkyl, R6ais C7 alkyl and R6ais Cg alkyl, R6ais Cg alkyl and R6ais C7 alkyl, R6ais Cs alkyl and R6ais C10 alkyl, R6ais C10 alkyl and R6ais Cs alkyl, R6ais Cg alkyl and R6ais Cn alkyl, R6ais Cn alkyl and R6ais Cg alkyl, R6ais C10 alkyl and R6ais C12 alkyl, R6ais C12 alkyl and R6ais C10 alkyl, etc.; and all other remaining variables are as described for Formula (E), Formula (E-l), Formula (E-2), Formula (E-3), Formula (E- 4) or the second, fifth, seventh, ninth, tenth, eleventh or twelfth embodiments of Formula (E).

[0409] In a fourteenth embodiment, in the ionizable lipid, e.g., cationic lipid, according to Formula (E), Formula (E-l), Formula (E-2), Formula (E-3), Formula (E-4) or the second, fifth, seventh, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth or thirteenth embodiments of Formula (E), R’ is absent; and all other remaining variables are as described for Formula (E), Formula (E-l), Formula (E-2), Formula (E-3), Formula (E-4) or the second, fifth, seventh, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth or thirteenth embodiments of Formula (E). In one embodiment, the ionizable lipid, e.g., cationic lipid, in the LNPs of the present disclosure or the cationic lipid of Formula (E), Formula (E-l), Formula (E-2), Formula (E-3), Formula (E-4) is any one lipid selected from the lipids in Table 7 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:

[0410] Specific examples are provided in the exemplification section below and are included as part of the cationic or ionizable lipids described herein. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts as well as neutral forms are also included.

[0411] Cleavable Lipids

[0412] In some embodiments, the LNPs provided by the present disclosure comprise an ionizable lipid that is also a cleavable lipid. As used herein, the term “cleavable lipid”, which may be used interchangeably with the term “SS-cleavable lipid” refers to an ionizable lipid comprising a disulfide bond (“SS”). The SS in the cleavable lipid is a cleavable unit. In one embodiment, a cleavable lipid comprises an amine, e.g., a tertiary amine, and a disulfide bond. In this cleavable lipid, an amine can become protonated in an acidic compartment (e.g., in an endosome or a lysosome), leading to LNP destabilization, and the cleavable lipid can become cleaved in a reductive environment (e.g., in the cytoplasm). Cleavable lipids also include pH-activated lipid-like materials, such as ss-OP lipids, ssPalm lipids, ss-M lipids, ss-E lipids, ss-EC lipids, ss-LC lipids and ss-OC lipids, etc.

[0413] According to some embodiments, SS-cleavable lipids are described in International Patent Application Publication No. WO2019188867, incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

[0414] In one embodiment, a cleavable lipid may comprise three components: an amine head group, a linker group, and a hydrophobic tail(s). In one embodiment, the cleavable lipid comprises one or more phenyl ester bonds, one of more tertiary amino groups, and a disulfide bond. The tertiary amine groups provide pH responsiveness and induce endosomal escape, the phenyl ester bonds enhance the degradability of the structure (self- degradability) and the disulfide bond becomes cleaved in a reductive environment.

[0415] In one embodiment, the cleavable lipid is an ss-OP lipid. In one embodiment, an ss-OP lipid comprises the structure of Lipid A shown below:

[0416] Lipid A In one embodiment, the SS-cleavable lipid is an SS-cleavable and pH-activated lipid-like material (ssPalm). ssPalm lipids are well known in the art. For example, see Togashi et al., Journal of Controlled Release, 279 (2018) 262-270, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In one embodiment, the ssPalm is an ssPalmM lipid comprising the structure of Lipid B shown below:

[0417] Lipid B

[0418] In one embodiment, the ssPalmE lipid is a ssPalmE-P4-C2 lipid comprising the structure of

[0419] Lipid C below:

[0420] Lipid C

[0421] In one embodiment, the ssPalmE lipid is a ssPalmE-Paz4-C2 lipid, comprising the structure of

[0422] Lipid D below:

[0423] Lipid D

[0424] In one embodiment, the cleavable lipid is an ss-M lipid. In one embodiment, an ss-M lipid comprises the structure shown in Lipid E below:

[0425] Lipid E In one embodiment, the cleavable lipid is an ss-E lipid. In one embodiment, an ss-E lipid comprises the structure shown in Lipid F below:

[0426] Lipid F In one embodiment, the cleavable lipid is an ss-EC lipid. In one embodiment, an ss-EC lipid comprises the structure shown for Lipid G below:

[0427] Lipid G

[0428] In one embodiment, the cleavable lipid is an ss-LC lipid. In one embodiment, an ss-LC lipid comprises the structure shown for Lipid H below:

[0429] Lipid H

[0430] In one embodiment, the cleavable lipid is an ss-OC lipid. In one embodiment, an ss-OC lipid comprises the structure shown for Lipid J below:

[0431] Lipid J Other Lipids

[0432] In some embodiments, the ionizable lipid in the LNPs of the present disclosure is selected from the group consisting of N-[l -(2,3 -dioleyloxy )propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTMA); N-[l-(2,3-dioleoyloxy)propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTAP); 1,2- dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3 -ethylphosphocholine (DOEPC); l,2-dilauroyl-sn-glycero-3- ethylphosphocholine (DLEPC); l,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3 -ethylphosphocholine (DMEPC); 1,2- dimyristoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-ethylphosphocholine (14: 1), Nl-[2-((lS)-l-[(3-aminopropyl)amino]-4- [di(3 -amino-propyl) aminolbutylcarboxamidoiethyl]-3,4-di[oleyloxy]-benzamide(MVL5); Dioctadecylamido-glycylspermine (DOGS); 3b-[N-(N’,N’-dimethylaminoethyl)carbamoyl] cholesterol (DC-Chol); Dioctadecyldimethylammonium Bromide (DDAB); a Saint lipid (e.g., SAINT-2, N-methyl-4-(dioleyl)methylpyridinium); l,2-dimyristyloxypropyl-3- dimethylhydroxyethylammonium bromide (DMRIE); 1,2-dioleoyl -3 -dimethyl -hydroxyethyl ammonium bromide (DORIE); 1,2-dioleoyloxypropyl -3 -dimethylhydroxyethyl ammonium chloride (DORI); Di-alkylated Amino Acid (DILA2) (e.g., C18:l-norArg -C16); Dioleyldimethylammonium chloride (DODAC); 1 -palmitoyl -2 -oleoyl-sn-glycero-3 -ethylphosphocholine (POEPC); and 1,2- dimyristoleoyl-sn-glycero-3 -ethylphosphocholine (MOEPC). In some variations, the condensing agent, e.g. a cationic lipid, is a lipid such as, e.g., Dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB),

[0433] 1.2-dilinoleyloxy-3 -dimethylaminopropane (DLinDMA), 2,2-dilinoleyl-4-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)- [1,3] -dioxolane (DLin-KC2-DMA), heptatriaconta-6,9,28,3 l-tetraen-19-yl-4- (dimethylamino)butanoate (DLin-MC3-DMA), l,2-Dioleoyloxy-3 -dimethylaminopropane (DODAP),

[0434] 1.2-Dioleyloxy-3 -dimethylaminopropane (DODMA), Morpholinocholesterol (Mo-CHOL), (R)-5- (dimethylamino)pentane-l,2-diyl dioleate hydrochloride (DODAPen-Cl), (R)-5-guanidinopentane-

[0435] 1.2-diyl dioleate hydrochloride (DOPen-G), and (R)-N,N,N-trimethyl-4,5-bis(oleoyloxy)pentan-l- aminium chloride(DOTAPen).

[0436] In some embodiments, the ionizable lipid in the LNP of the present disclosure is represented by the following structure:

[0437] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

[0438] B. Structural Lipids

[0439] In some embodiments, the LNPs provided by the present disclosure comprise a structural lipid. Without wishing to be bound by a specific theory, it is believed that a structural lipid, when present in an LNP, contributes to membrane integrity and stability of the LNP.

[0440] In some embodiments, the structural lipid is a sterol, e.g., cholesterol, or a derivative thereof. In one embodiment, the structural lipid is cholesterol. In another embodiment, the structural lipid is a derivative of cholesterol. Non-limiting examples of cholesterol derivatives include polar analogues such as 5a-cholestanol, 5p-coprostanol, cholesteryl-(2’-hydroxy)-ethyl ether, cholesteryl-(4’- hydroxy) -butyl ether, and 6-ketocholestanol; non-polar analogues such as 5a-cholestane, cholestenone, 5a-cholestanone, 5p-cholestanone, and cholesteryl decanoate; and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the cholesterol derivative is a polar analogue such as cholesteryl-(4’-hydroxy)- butyl ether. In some embodiments, cholesterol derivative is cholestryl hemisuccinate (CHEMS).

[0441] Exemplary cholesterol derivatives are described in International Patent Application Publication No. W02009 / 127060 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2010 / 0130588, contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0442] In some embodiments, the sterol in the LNPs of the present disclosure is selected from the group consisting of cholesterol, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, beta-sitostanol, campesterol, brassicasterol, and derivatives thereof, and any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the sterol is cholesterol. In another embodiment, the sterol is beta-sitosterol.

[0443] In some embodiments, the structural lipid, e.g., a sterol, constitutes about 20 mol% to about 50 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP. In some embodiments, the structural lipid, e.g., a sterol, constitutes about 30 mol% to about 45 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP. In some embodiments, the structural lipid, e.g., cholesterol, constitutes about 30 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP.

[0444] In some embodiments, the structural lipid is dexamethasone or dexamethasone-palmitate. C. Helper Lipids

[0445] Ceramide helper lipids

[0446] In some embodiments, the LNPs provided by the present disclosure comprise a helper lipid. In some embodiments, the helper lipid is a ceramide. The ceramides in the LNPs of the present disclosure are not conjugated to a polymer, such as polyethylene glycol or PEG. Ceramides are sphingolipids which is a class of cell membrane lipids. Ceramides contain an A'-acctylsphingosinc (z.e., (£)-JV-(l,3-dihydroxyoctadec-4-en-2-yl)acetamide) backbone and a fatty acid linked to the amide group. In some embodiments, the LNPs provided by the present disclosure comprise a ceramide, whereby the fatty acid portion of the ceramide is of a certain length or is a fatty acid having a certain number of carbon atoms as described below. As used herein, the term “helper lipid” refers to an amphiphilic lipid comprising at least one non-polar chain and at least one polar moiety. Without wishing to be bound by a specific theory, it is believed that a helper lipid functions to evade off- targeting of the LNP to the blood compartment, to increase the fusogenicity of the lipid bilayer of the LNP and to facilitate endosomal escape.

[0447] In some embodiments, the LNP of the present disclosure comprises ceramide as a helper lipid. In some embodiments, the helper lipid is represented by Formula (II):

[0448] Formula (II) or a salt or an ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue of any of the foregoing, wherein:

[0449] ' is a single bond or a double bond;

[0450] R1is C1-C17 alkyl or C2-C17 alkenyl;

[0451] R2is C1-C22 alkyl or C2-C22 alkenyl;

[0452] R3is hydrogen or C1-C2 alkyl; and

[0453] R4is hydrogen or C1-C2 alkyl.

[0454] In some embodiments of Formula (II), ''' is a single bond. In some embodiments of

[0455] Formula double bond.

[0456] In some embodiments of Formula (II), R1is C10-C20 alkenyl, R2is C10-C20 aklyl and R3is hydrogen. In some embodiments of Formula (II), R1is C1-C10 alkyl or C2-C10 alkenyl.

[0457] In some embodiments of Formula (II),

[0458] R1is C1-C10 alkyl or C2-C10 alkenyl;

[0459] R2is C1-C22 alkyl or C2-C22 alkenyl;

[0460] R3is hydrogen or C1-C2 alkyl; and

[0461] R4is hydrogen or C1-C2 alkyl.

[0462] In some embodiments of Formula (II), R3and R4are both hydrogen. In some embodiments of Formula (II), R3and R4are independently hydrogen or Ci alkyl.

[0463] In some embodiments of Formula (II), R1is C1-C7 alkyl or C2-C7 alkenyl. In one embodiment, R1is C1-C7 alkyl. In one embodiment, R1is Ci alkyl.

[0464] The term “salt” when used to refer to a helper lipid represented by Formula (II) means a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a helper lipid represented by Formula (II), including both acid and base addition salts. A salt of a helper lipid represented by Formula (II) retains the biological effectiveness and properties of the free acid forms or free base forms of the helper lipid represented by Formula (II), which are not biologically or otherwise undesirable, and which are formed with inorganic acids or organic acids, or inorganic bases or organic bases. Examples of inorganic acids include, but are not limited to, hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid and the like; and examples of organic acids include, but not limited to, acetic acid, 2,2-dichloroacetic acid, adipic acid, alginic acid, ascorbic acid, aspartic acid, benzene sulfonic acid, benzoic acid, 4-acetamidobenzoic acid, camphoric acid, camphor- 10-sulfonic acid, capric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, carbonic acid, cinnamic acid, citric acid, cyclamic acid, dodecylsulfuric acid, ethane-l,2-disulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic acid, formic acid, fumaric acid, galactaric acid, gentisic acid, glucoheptonic acid, gluconic acid, glucuronic acid, glutamic acid, glutaric acid, 2-oxo-glutaric acid, glycerophosphoric acid, glycolic acid, hippuric acid, isobutyric acid, lactic acid, lactobionic acid, lauric acid, maleic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, mandelic acid, methanesulfonic acid, mucic acid, naphthalene-l,5-disulfonic acid, naphthalene-2- sulfonic acid, 1 -hydroxy-2 -naphthoic acid, nicotinic acid, oleic acid, orotic acid, oxalic acid, palmitic acid, pamoic acid, propionic acid, pyroglutamic acid, pyruvic acid, salicylic acid, 4-aminosalicylic acid, sebacic acid, stearic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, thiocyanic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, undecylenic acid, and the like. Salts derived from inorganic bases include, but are not limited to, sodium, potassium, lithium, ammonium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, aluminum salts and the like. Salts derived from organic bases include, but are not limited to, salts of primary, secondary, and tertiary amines, substituted amines including naturally occurring substituted amines, cyclic amines and basic ion exchange resins, such as ammonia, isopropylamine, trimethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, tripropylamine, diethanolamine, ethanolamine, deanol, 2 -dimethylaminoethanol, 2-diethylaminoethanol, dicyclohexylamine, lysine, arginine, histidine, caffeine, procaine, hydrabamine, choline, betaine, benethamine, benzathine, ethylenediamine, glucosamine, methylglucamine, theobromine, triethanolamine, tromethamine, purines, piperazine, piperidine, N-ethylpiperidine, polyamine resins and the like. Particularly preferred organic bases are isopropylamine, diethylamine, ethanolamine, trimethylamine, dicyclohexylamine, choline and caffeine.

[0465] The term “ester”, when used to refer to a helper lipid represented by Formula (II), means an ester of a helper lipid represented by Formula (II). As a non-limiting example, a hydroxyl group of the helper lipid represented by Formula (II) may be linked to an organic acid such as phosphoric acid or carboxylic acid via the process of esterification to form an ester (e.g., a carboxylate or a phosphate) of a helper lipid represented by Formula (II).

[0466] The term “deuterated analogue”, when used to refer to a helper lipid represented by Formula (II), means an analogue of a helper lipid represented by Formula (II), whereby any one or more hydrogen atoms of the helper lipid are substituted with deuterium, which is an isotope of hydrogen.

[0467] In one embodiment of Formula (II), or a salt or an ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue of any of the foregoing, <■' is a double bond; R1, R2, R3and R4are as defined above. In an alternative embodiment of Formula (II), or a salt or an ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue of any of the foregoing, '' is a single bond; R1, R2, R3and R4are as defined above.

[0468] In some embodiments of Formula (II), or a salt or an ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue of any of the foregoing, R1is C1-C15 alkyl or C2-C15 alkenyl.

[0469] In some embodiments of Formula (II), or a salt or an ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue of any of the foregoing:

[0470] R1is C1-C15 alkyl or C2-C15 alkenyl;

[0471] R2is C1-C22 alkyl or C2-C22 alkenyl;

[0472] R3is hydrogen or C1-C2 alkyl; and

[0473] R4is hydrogen or C1-C2 alkyl.

[0474] In some embodiments of Formula (II), or a salt or an ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue of any of the foregoing, R1is C1-C10 alkyl or C2-C10 alkenyl.

[0475] In some embodiments of Formula (II), or a salt or an ester thereof:

[0476] R1is C1-C10 alkyl or C2-C10 alkenyl;

[0477] R2is C1-C22 alkyl or C2-C22 alkenyl;

[0478] R3is hydrogen or C1-C2 alkyl; and

[0479] R4is hydrogen or C1-C2 alkyl.

[0480] In some embodiments of Formula (II), or a salt or an ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue of any of the foregoing, R1is Ci-Cs alkyl or C2-C8 alkenyl. In one embodiment, R1is Ci-Cs alkyl. In some embodiments of Formula (II), or a salt or an ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue of any of the foregoing, R1is C1-C7 alkyl or C2-C7 alkenyl. In one embodiment, R1is C1-C7 alkyl. In one embodiment of Formula (II), or a salt or an ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue of any of the foregoing:

[0481] R1is Ci-C7alkyl;

[0482] R2is C1-C22 alkyl or C2-C22 alkenyl;

[0483] R3is hydrogen or C1-C2 alkyl; and

[0484] R4is hydrogen or C1-C2 alkyl.

[0485] In some embodiments of Formula (II), or a salt or an ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue of any of the foregoing, R1is Ci alkyl, C2 alkyl, C3 alkyl, C4 alkyl, C5 alkyl, Ce alkyl, or C7alkyl. In some embodiments of Formula (II), or a salt or an ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue of any of the foregoing, R1is Ci alkyl, C2 alkyl, C3 alkyl, C4 alkyl, C5 alkyl, Ce alkyl, or C7alkyl. In some embodiments of Formula (II), or a salt or an ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue of any of the foregoing, R1is Ci alkyl, C3 alkyl, C5 alkyl, or C7alkyl. In one embodiment of Formula (II), or a salt or an ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue of any of the foregoing, R1is Ci alkyl. In one embodiment of Formula (II), or a salt or an ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue of any of the foregoing, R1is C3 alkyl. In one embodiment of Formula (II), or a salt or an ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue of any of the foregoing, R1is C5 alkyl. In one embodiment of Formula (II), or a salt or an ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue of any of the foregoing, R1is C7alkyl.

[0486] In some embodiments of Formula (II), or a salt or an ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue of any of the foregoing, R2is C3-C15 alkyl or C3-C15 alkenyl; and R1, R3and R4are as defined above. In some embodiments of Formula (II), or a salt or an ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue of any of the foregoing, R2is C5-C15 alkyl or C3-C15 alkenyl; and R1, R3and R4are as defined above. In some embodiments of Formula (II), or a salt or an ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue of any of the foregoing, R2is C7-Cis alkyl or C3-C15 alkenyl; and R1, R3and R4are as defined above. In some embodiments of Formula (II), or a salt or an ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue of any of the foregoing, R2is C9-C15 alkyl or C9-C15 alkenyl; and R1, R3and R4are as defined above. In some embodiments of Formula (II), or a salt or an ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue of any of the foregoing, R2is C9 alkyl, C10 alkyl, Cn alkyl, C12 alkyl, C13 alkyl, C14 alkyl, or C15 alkyl; and R1, R3and R4are as defined above. In some embodiments of Formula (II), or a salt or an ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue of any of the foregoing, R2is C9 alkyl; and R1, R3and R4are as defined above. In some embodiments of Formula (II), or a salt or an ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue of any of the foregoing, R2is Cn alkyl; and R1, R3and R4are as defined above. In some embodiments of Formula (II), or a salt or an ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue of any of the foregoing, R2is C13 alkyl; and R1, R3and R4are as defined above.

[0487] In some embodiments of Formula (II), or a salt or an ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof, R3is hydrogen or Ci alkyl; and R1, R2and R4are as defined above. In one embodiment of Formula (II), or a salt or an ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof, R3is hydrogen; and R1, R2 and R4are as defined above. In one embodiment of Formula (II), or a salt or an ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue of any of the foregoing, R3is Ci alkyl; and R1, R2and R4are as defined above.

[0488] In some embodiments of Formula (II), or a salt or an ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue of any of the foregoing, R4is hydrogen or Ci alkyl; and R1, R2and R3are as defined above. In one embodiment of Formula (II), or a salt or an ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue of any of the foregoing, R4is hydrogen; and R1, R2and R3are as defined above. In one embodiment of Formula (II), or a salt or an ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue of any of the foregoing, R4is Ci alkyl; and R1, R2and R3are as defined above.

[0489] In some embodiments of Formula (II), R1is C1-C7 alkyl or C2-C7 alkenyl.

[0490] In some embodiments, R1is Ci alkyl, C3 alkyl, C5 alkyl, or C7 alkyl. In some embodiments, R1is Ci alkyl.

[0491] In some embodiments of Formula (II), R2is C3-C15 alkyl or C3-C15 alkenyl. In some embodiments, R2is C10 alkyl, Cn alkyl, C12 alkyl, C13 alkyl, C14 alkyl, or C15 alkyl. In some embodiments, R2is C12 alkyl, C13 alkyl, or C14 alkyl. In some embodiments, R2is C13 alkyl. In some embodiments, R2is C12 alkyl. In some embodiments, R2is Cn alkyl.

[0492] In some embodiments of Formula (II), both R1and R2are hydrogen; and ''' is a double bond.

[0493] In some embodiments of Formula (II), both R1and R2are hydrogen and '' is a double bond; and R1is Ci alkyl, C3 alkyl, C5 alkyl or C7 alkyl. In one embodiment, R1is Ci alkyl. In another embodiment, R1is C3 alkyl. In yet another embodiment, R1is C5 alkyl. In yet another embodiment, R1is C7 alkyl.

[0494] In some embodiments of Formula (II), both R1and R2are hydrogen and is a double bond; R1is Ci alkyl, C3 alkyl, C5 alkyl or C7 alkyl and R2is C9 alkyl, Cn, or C13 alkyl. In one embodiment, R2is C9 alkyl. In one embodiment, R2is Cn alkyl. In another embodiment, R2is C13 alkyl.

[0495] In some embodiments of Formula (II), R3is hydrogen. In some embodiments of Formula (II), R3is Ci alkyl.

[0496] In some embodiments of Formula (II), R4is hydrogen. In some embodiments of Formula (II), R4is Ci alkyl.

[0497] Other helper lipids

[0498] In some embodiments, a helper lipid comprised in an LNP of the present disclosure is a phospholipid, a phosphatidylcholine, or a derivative thereof. In some embodiments, the helper lipid comprised in an LNP of the present disclosure is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-distearoyl- sn-glycero-3 -phosphocholine (DSPC), hydrogenated soybean PC (HSPC), phosphatidylserine (PS), l,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphocholine (DOPC), l,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphocholine (DPPC), 1 -palmitoyl -2 -oleoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphocholine (POPC), l,2-dilauroyl-sn-glycero-3- phosphocholine (DLPC), 1-margaroyl -2 -oleoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphocholine (MOPC), 1 -palmitoyl - 2-linoleoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphocholine (PLPC), 1 -stearoyl -2 -myristoyl-sn-glycero-3 - phosphocholine (SMPC), l,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphocholine (DMPC), 1,2-dihexanoyl-sn- glycero-3 -phosphocholine (DHPC), l,2-dierucoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphocholine (DEPC), 1-palmitoyl- 2-oleoyl-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC), and l,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphoethanolamine (DOPE). In one embodiment, the helper lipid comprised in an LNP of the present disclosure is 1,2- distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC).

[0499] In some embodiments, the helper lipid constitutes about 1 mol% to about 40 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP, or about 5 mol% to about 15 mol%. In some embodiments, the helper lipid constitutes about 10% mol to about 20 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP and such LNP having about 10% mol to about 20 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP demonstrate overall increased tolerability (e.g., as demonstrated in body weight loss profdes in a subject and reduced cytokine response), as compared to the LNP comprising less than 10% of the same helper lipid.

[0500] D. Lipid-Anchored Polymers

[0501] In some embodiments, the LNPs provided by the present disclosure comprise at least one type of lipid-anchored polymer, e.g., a first lipid-anchored polymer and / or a second lipid-anchored polymer. As used herein, the term “lipid-anchored polymer” refers to a molecule comprising a lipid moiety covalently attached to a polymer, e.g., via a linker. Without wishing to be bound by a specific theory, it is believed that a lipid-anchored polymer can inhibit aggregation of LNPs and provide steric stabilization. In some embodiments, the LNPs provided by the present disclosure comprise two lipid- anchored polymers, i.e., a first lipid-anchored polymer and a second lipid-anchored polymer.

[0502] In some embodiments, the first lipid-anchored polymer comprised in an LNP of the present disclosure is the polymer-conjugated lipid of the present disclosure, e.g., DODA-PG34, DODA-PG45, DODA-PG46, or DODA-PG58. In some embodiments, the first lipid-anchored polymer comprises 1,2-O-dioctadecyl-sn-glycerol (DODG), e.g, DODG-PG34, DODG-PG45, DODG-PG46, or DODG- PG58.

[0503] In some embodiments, an LNP of the present disclosure comprises two types of a lipid- anchored polymer: a) the polymer-conjugated lipid of the present disclosure, e.g., DODA-PG34, DODA-PG45, DODA-PG46, or DODA-PG58, as the first lipid-anchored polymer, and b) a second lipid-anchored polymer.

[0504] In some embodiments, a lipid-anchored polymer, e.g., a second lipid-anchored polymer in accordance with the present disclosure comprises:

[0505] (i) a lipid moiety comprising at least one hydrophobic tail; and

[0506] (ii) a polymer conjugated to the lipid moiety, optionally via a linker. In some embodiments, a lipid-anchored polymer, e.g., a second lipid-anchored polymer in accordance with the present disclosure comprises:

[0507] (i) a lipid moiety comprising at least one hydrophobic tail;

[0508] (ii) a polymer;

[0509] (iii) a linker, wherein the polymer is conjugated to the lipid moiety via the linker; and

[0510] (iv) a targeting moiety conjugated to the polymer.

[0511] In some embodiments, a lipid-anchored polymer, e.g., a second lipid-anchored polymer in accordance with the present disclosure comprises:

[0512] (i) a lipid moiety comprising at least one hydrophobic tail;

[0513] (ii) a polymer;

[0514] (iii) a linker, wherein the polymer is conjugated to the lipid moiety via the linker; and

[0515] (iv) a reactive species conjugated to the polymer, wherein the reactive species is functionalized to be conjugated to a targeting moiety.

[0516] In one embodiment, the at least one (e.g., single or two) hydrophobic tail is a fatty acid. Nonlimiting examples of the at least one (e.g., single or two) hydrophobic tail comprising 12 to 22 carbon atoms in a single aliphatic chain backbone include lauric acid, myristic acid, myristoleic acid, octadecylamine, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, palmitoleic acid, sapienic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, vaccenic acid, linoleic acid, linoelaidic acid, a-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and a derivative thereof.

[0517] The term “derivative,” when used herein in reference to hydrophobic tails in a lipid-anchored polymer, refers to a hydrophobic tail that has been modified as compared to the original or native hydrophobic tail. In some embodiments, the derivative contains one or more of the following modifications as compared to the original or native hydrophobic tail: a) carboxylate group has been replaced with an amine group, an amide group, an ether group, or a carbonate group; b) one or more points of saturation, e.g., double bonds, have been introduced into (e.g., via dehydrogenation) the hydrophobic tail; c) one or more points of saturation, e.g., double bonds, have been removed from (e.g., via hydrogenation) the hydrophobic tail; and d) configuration of one or more double bonds, if present, has been changed, e.g., from a cis configuration to a trans configuration, or from a trans configuration to a cis configuration. The derivative contains the same number of carbon atoms as its original or native hydrophobic tail.

[0518] As used herein the term “a single aliphatic chain backbone” when referring to a hydrophobic tail in a lipid-anchored polymer refers the main linear aliphatic chain or carbon chain, z'.e., the longest continuous linear aliphatic chain or carbon chain. For example, the alkyl chain below that has several branchings contains 18 carbon atoms in a single aliphatic chain backbone, z.e., the longest continuous linear alkyl chain contains 18 carbon atoms. Note that the one or two carbon atoms (all indicated with *) in the several branchings are not included in the carbon atom count in the single aliphatic chain backbone.

[0519] In one embodiment, a second lipid-anchored polymer in accordance with the present disclosure comprises a lipid moiety comprising at least one hydrophobic tail; and a polymer conjugated to the lipid moiety, optionally via a linker, wherein the lipid moiety of the second lipid- anchored polymer comprises a lipid-linker moiety selected from the group consisting of 1,2- dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), 1 -palmitoyl -2 -oleoyl -glycero-3 -phosphocholine (POPC), 1 -palmitoyl -2 -oleoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphoethanolamine (POPE), 1 -palmitoyl -2 -oleoyl-sn- glycero-3-phospho-(l'-rac -glycerol) (POPG), l,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DPPE), l,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DSPE), 1,2-dielaidoyl-sn- phosphatidylethanolamine (DEPE), l-stearoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (SOPE), 1 ,2-dioleoyl-sn -glycero-3 -phosphoglycerol (DOPG), 1 ,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphoglycerol (DPPG), 18-1-trans PE, l,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine (DOPS), 1,2-diphytanoyl-sn- glycero-3 -phosphoethanolamine (DPHyPE); and dioctadecylamine (DODA), dihexadecylamine, distearoyl-rac-glycerol (DSG), 1,2-dipalmitoyl-rac -glycerol (DPG), l,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3- phosphoethanolamine (DOPE), 1,2-O-dioctadecyl-sn -glycerol (DODG), and derivatives thereof. In some embodiments, the lipid moiety of the second lipid-anchored polymer comprises a lipid-linker moiety selected from the group consisting of DOPE, DSPE, DSG, DODA, DPG, DODG, and a derivative thereof. In one specific embodiment, the lipid moiety of the second lipid-anchored polymer comprises DSPE. In one embodiment, the second lipid-anchored polymer further comprises a targeting moiety.

[0520] A lipid-anchored polymer of the present disclosure may also comprise a reactive species. In some embodiments, the reactive species is conjugated to the polymer in the lipid-anchored polymer. The reactive species present in a lipid-anchored polymer of the present disclosure may be used for conjugation, e.g., to a targeting moiety which has been functionalized with a complementary reactive species, z.e., a reactive species capable of reacting with the reactive species comprised in the lipid- anchored polymer of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the reactive species conjugated to the lipid-anchored polymer of the present disclosure may be a thiol reagent, a maleimide reagent, or click chemistry reagent, e.g., a reagent selected from the group consisting of an alkyne reagent, such as a dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO) reagent, a transcyclooctene (TCO) reagent, a tetrazine (TZ) reagent and an azide (AZ) reagent. Linkers in lipid-anchored polymers

[0521] In some embodiments, in a lipid-anchored polymer of the present disclosure, a lipid moiety is covalently attached to a polymer via a linker. In some embodiments, the linker in the lipid-anchored polymer of the present disclosure is an alkyl linker, a glycerol linker, a phosphate linker, a phosphate ester linker, an ether linker, an ester linker, a diester linker (e.g., a glutary linker, a succinyl linker, etc. , an amide linker, a diamide linker, an amine linker, a peptide linker, a phosphoethanolamine linker, a phosphocholine linker, a carbamate linker, a diamide alkyl linker, a cleavable linker, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the linker in the lipid-anchored polymer in the LNPs of the present disclosure is selected from the group consisting of -(CH2)n-, -C(0)(CH2)n-, -C(0)0(CH2)n, -C(O)O(CH2)n-, -OC(O)(CH2)nC(O)O-, and -NH(CH2)nC(0)0-, wherein n is an number integer ranging from 1 to 20. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the linker is -C(O)(CH2)n-, and in some embodiments, n is 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.

[0522] In some embodiments, the linker of the second-lipid anchored polymer is a glycerol linker, a phosphate linker, an ether linker, an amide linker, an amine linker, a peptide linker, a phosphoethanolamine linker, a phosphocholine linker, a carbamate linker, or -(CH2)n-, -C(O)(CH2)n-, or -C(O)O(CH2)n, wherein n is an integer ranging from 1 to 20, or any combination thereof.

[0523] The term “linker-lipid moiety”, as used herein, refers to a lipid moiety comprising at least one hydrophobic tail that is covalently attached to a linker. In some embodiments, the linker-lipid moiety may be a part of a lipid-anchored polymer.

[0524] As used herein, the term “derivative” when used in reference to a linker-lipid moiety means a linker-lipid moiety containing one or more of the following modifications: a) a phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) head group, if present, is modified to convert an amino group into a methylamino group or a dimethylamino group; b) the modified linker-lipid moiety comprises one or more additional functional groups or moieties, such as -OH, -OCH3, -NH2, a maleimide, an azide or a cyclooctyne such as dibonzeocyclooctyne (DBCO).

[0525] Polymers in lipid-anchored polymers

[0526] In some embodiments, the polymer comprised in the lipid-anchored polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyglycerol (PG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polysarcosine (pSar), and a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyglycerol (PG), polysarcosine (pSar), poly(2 -methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC), and a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the polymer is polyethyelene glycol (PEG).

[0527] In some embodiments, the polymer comprised in the lipid-anchored polymer, e.g., the second lipid-anchored polymer, is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polysarcosine (pSar), polyglycerol (PG), and a derivative of any of the foregoing.

[0528] In some embodiments, the polymer comprised in the lipid-anchored polymer of the present disclosure, e.g., the first lipid-anchored polymer and / or the second lipid-anchored polymer, is polyglycerol (PG) or a PG derivative. The PG or the PG derivative may be linear or branched. The PG derivative may be a carboxylated PG, e.g., a glutarylated PG, such as 3 -methyl glutarylated PG, or 2-carboxycyclohexane-l-carboxylated PG. In some embodiments, the PG or the PG derivative may comprise an average of 5-100 monomeric units. In some embodiments, the PG or the PG derivative may comprise an average of 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60, or about 34, 45, 46, or 58 monomeric units. In one embodiment, the PG or the PG derivative comprises an average of 34, 45, 46 or 58 monomeric units.

[0529] In some embodiments, the polymer in the lipid-anchored polymer has a molecular weight of between about 500 Da and about 5000 Da, e.g., between about 1500 Da and about 5000 Da. In some embodiments, the polymer in the lipid-anchored polymer has an average molecular weight of about 2000 Da.

[0530] Targeting moiety

[0531] In some embodiments, an LNP of the present disclosure further comprises one or more targeting moieties. The targeting moiety targets the LNP for delivery to a specific site or a tissue in a subject, e.g., liver. In some embodiments, the targeting moiety is capable of binding to specific liver cells, such as hepatocytes. The targeting moiety may be conjugated to a first lipid-anchored polymer, e.g., a polymer-conjugated lipid of the disclosure, or a second lipid-anchored polymer, as described herein.

[0532] In one embodiment, the targeting moiety is capable of binding to the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR), z'.e., hepatocyte-specific ASGPR. In one embodiment, the targeting moiety comprises an '-acctylgalactosaminc molecule (GalNAc) or a GalNAc derivative thereof. As used herein, a “GalNAc derivative” refers to a modified GalNAc molecule or a conjugate of one or more GalNAc molecules (modified or unmodified) covalently linked to, for example, a lipid-anchored polymer as defined herein. In one embodiment, the targeting moiety is a tri-antennary or tri-valent GalNAc conjugate (z.e., GalNAc3) which is a ligand conjugate having three GalNAc molecules or three GalNAc derivatives. In one embodiment, the targeting moiety is a tri-antennary GalNAc represented by the following structural formula:

[0533]

[0534] In one embodiment, the targeting moiety is a tetra-antennary GalNAc conjugate. In one embodiment, the targeting moiety is a tetra-antennary or tetra-valent GalNAc conjugate (z.e., GalNAc4) which is a ligand having four GalNAc molecules or four GalNAc derivatives.

[0535] In one embodiment, the targeting moiety is capable of binding to low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLRs), e.g., hepatocyte-specific LDLRs. In one embodiment, the targeting moiety comprises an apoliprotein E (ApoE) protein, an ApoE polypeptide (or peptide), an apoliprotein B (ApoB) protein, an ApoB polypeptide (or peptide), a fragment of any of the foregoing, or a derivative of any of the foregoing. In one embodiment, the ApoE polypeptide, ApoB polypeptide, or a fragment thereof is a ApoE polypeptide, ApoB polypeptide, or a fragment thereof as disclosed in International Patent Application Publication No. WO2022 / 261101, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In one embodiment, the ApoE protein is a modified ApoE protein and the ApoB protein is a modified ApoB protein.

[0536] In one embodiment, the ApoE protein has an amino acid sequence having at least about 80%, at least about 81%, at least about 82%, at least about 83%, at least about 84%, at least about 85%, at least about 86%, at least about 87%, at least about 88%, at least about 89%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98, or at least about 99% sequence identity to the following amino acid sequence: MKVEQAVETEPEPELRQQTEWQSGQRWELALGRFWDYLRWVQTLSEQVQEELLSSQVTQE LRALMDETMKELKAYKSELEEQLTPVAEETRARLSKELQAAQARLGADMEDVCGRLVQYR GEVQAMLGQSTEELRVRLASHLRKLRKRLLRDADDLQKRLAVYQAGAREGAERGLSAIRER LGPLVEQGRVR (SEQ ID NO: 1). In one embodiment, the ApoE protein comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1. In one embodiment, the ApoE protein consists essentially of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1. In one embodiment, the ApoE protein consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1.

[0537] In one embodiment, the ApoE protein has an amino acid sequence having at least about 80%, at least about 81%, at least about 82%, at least about 83%, at least about 84%, at least about 85%, at least about 86%, at least about 87%, at least about 88%, at least about 89%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98, or at least about 99% sequence identity to the following amino acid sequence:

[0538] MKVEQAVETEPEPELRQQTEWQSGQRWELALGRFWDYLRWVQTLSEQVQEELLSSQVTQE LRALMDETMKELKAYKSELEEQLTPVAEETRARLSKELQAAQARLGADMEDVCGRLVQYR GEVQAMLGQSTEELRVRLASHLRKLRKRLLRDADDLQKRLAVYQAGAREGAERGLSAIRER LGPLVEQGRVRHHHHHH (SEQ ID NO: 2). In one embodiment, the ApoE protein comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the ApoE protein consists essentially of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the ApoE protein consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2.

[0539] In one embodiment, the ApoE protein has an amino acid sequence having at least about 80%, at least about 81%, at least about 82%, at least about 83%, at least about 84%, at least about 85%, at least about 86%, at least about 87%, at least about 88%, at least about 89%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98, or at least about 99% sequence identity to the following amino acid sequence:

[0540] MKVEQAVETEPEPELRQQTEWQSGQRWELALGRFWDYLRWVQTLSEQVQEELLSSQVTQE LRALMDETMKELKAYKSELEEQLTPVAEETRARLSKELQAAQARLGADMEDVSGRLVQYR GEVQAMLGQSTEELRVRLASHLRKLRKRLLRDADDLQKRLAVYQAGAREGAERGLSAIRER LGPLVEQGRVR (SEQ ID NO: 3). In one embodiment, the ApoE protein comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3. In one embodiment, the ApoE protein consists essentially of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3. In one embodiment, the ApoE protein consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3.

[0541] In one embodiment, the ApoE protein has an amino acid sequence having at least about 80%, at least about 81%, at least about 82%, at least about 83%, at least about 84%, at least about 85%, at least about 86%, at least about 87%, at least about 88%, at least about 89%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98, or at least about 99% sequence identity to the following amino acid sequence:

[0542] MKVEQAVETEPEPELRQQTEWQSGQRWELALGRFWDYLRWVQTLSEQVQEELLSSQVTQE LRALMDETMKELKAYKSELEEQLTPVAEETRARLSKELQAAQARLGADMEDVSGRLVQYR GEVQAMLGQSTEELRVRLASHLRKLRKRLLRDADDLQKRLAVYQAGAREGAERGLSAIRER LGPLVEQGRVRHHHHHHGGSSGSGC (SEQ ID NO: 4). In one embodiment, the ApoE protein comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4. In one embodiment, the ApoE protein consists essentially of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4. In one embodiment, the ApoE protein consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4.

[0543] As used herein, the term “sequence identity”, when used in reference to a polypeptide or a protein, refers to the ratio of the number of identical amino acids between the 2 aligned sequences over the aligned length, expressed as a percentage. In some embodiments, the 2 aligned sequences are identical in length, z.e., have the same number of amino acids.

[0544] In one embodiment, the targeting moiety in an LNP of the present disclosure is an ApoE protein conjugate in an ApoB protein conjugate, which is a conjugate of one or more ApoE and / or ApoB protein molecules (native or modified) or a fragment thereof covalently linked to, for example, a lipid-anchored polymer as defined herein. In one embodiment, the targeting moiety in an LNP of the present disclosure is an ApoE polypeptide conjugate in an ApoB polypeptide conjugate, which is a conjugate of one or more ApoE and / or ApoB polypeptide molecules or a fragment thereof covalently linked to, for example, a lipid-anchored polymer as defined herein.

[0545] In one embodiment the targeting moiety is an antibody or an antibody fragment, e.g., an antibody or an antibody fragment that is capable of specifically binding to an antigen present on the surface of a cell. In one embodiment the antibody or an antibody fragment is a monoclonal antibody (mAb), a single chain variable fragment (scFv), a heavy chain antibody (hcAb), a nanobody (Nb), a heavy -chain-only immunoglobulin (HCIg), an immunoglobulin new antigen receptor (IgNAR), variable domain of immunoglobulin new antigen receptor (VNAR), a single-domain antibody, or a variable heavy chain-only antibody (VHH).

[0546] In some embodiments, an LNP of the present disclosure comprises a polymer-conjugated lipid of the present disclosure, and the targeting moiety as defined herein (and including GalNAc, ApoE protein, ApoB protein, ApoE polypeptide, ApoB polypeptide, an antibody or an antibody fragment) is conjugated to the polymer-conjugated lipid of the present disclosure.

[0547] In some embodiments, an LNP of the present disclosure may comprise a polymer-conjugated lipid of the present disclosure as a first lipid-anchored polymer, and a targeting moiety as described herein conjugated to the polymer-conjugated lipid. In some embodiments the polymer in the polymer-conjugated lipid, e.g. , a PG or a PG derivative, is conjugated to a targeting moiety.

[0548] In some embodiments, the targeting moiety may be conjugated to the polymer-conjugated lipid via a reactive species. In some embodiments, the reactive species may be a thiol reagent, a maleimide reagent, or click chemistry reagent, e.g., a reagent selected from the group consisting of an alkyne reagent, such as a dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO) reagent, a transcyclooctene (TCO) reagent, a tetrazine (TZ) reagent and an azide (AZ) reagent. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, the polymer-conjugated lipid of the present disclosure comprising an azide reagent as the reactive species may be reacted with a targeting moiety functionalized with a DBCO reagent as a complementary reactive species to produce a polymer-conjugated lipid conjugated to a targeting moiety via the reactive species. In another exemplary embodiment, the polymer-conjugated lipid of the present disclosure comprising a thiol reagent may be reacted with a targeting moiety functionalized with a maleimide reagent to produce a polymer-conjugated lipid conjugated to a targeting moiety via the reactive species. In some embodiments, an LNP of the present disclosure may comprise a polymer-conjugated lipid of the present disclosure as a first lipid-anchored polymer, a second lipid-anchored polymer and a targeting moiety as described herein conjugated to the second lipid-anchored polymer.

[0549] In some embodiments, the targeting moiety may be conjugated to the second lipid-anchored polymer via a reactive species. In some embodiments, the reactive species may be a thiol reagent, a maleimide reagent, or click chemistry reagent, e.g., a reagent selected from the group consisting of an alkyne reagent, such as a dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO) reagent, a transcyclooctene (TCO) reagent, a tetrazine (TZ) reagent and an azide (AZ) reagent. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, the second lipid-anchored polymer of the present disclosure comprising an azide reagent as the reactive species may be reacted with a targeting moiety functionalized with a DBCO reagent as a complementary reactive species to produce a second lipid-anchored moiety conjugated to the targeting moiety via a reactive species. In another exemplary embodiment, the polymer-conjugated lipid of the present disclosure comprising a thiol reagent may be reacted with a targeting moiety functionalized with a maleimide reagent to produce a polymer-conjugated lipid comprising a targeting moiety.

[0550] Accordingly, in one embodiment of an LNP of the present disclosure, the LNP comprises a second lipid-anchored polymer and the targeting moiety as defined herein (and including GalNAc, ApoE protein, ApoB protein, ApoE polypeptide, ApoB polypeptide, an antibody or an antibody fragment) is conjugated to the second lipid-anchored polymer. The second lipid-anchored polymer contains a lipid moiety conjugated to a polymer, optionally via a linker. In one embodiment, the second lipid-anchored polymer comprises a moiety selected from the group consisting of 1,2- dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), l-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC), 1 -palmitoyl -2 -oleoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphoethanolamine (POPE), 1 -palmitoyl -2 -oleoyl-sn- glycero-3-phospho-(l'-rac -glycerol) (POPG), l,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DPPE), l,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphoethanolamine (DSPE), 1,2-dielaidoyl-sn- phosphatidylethanolamine (DEPE), l-stearoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (SOPE), 1 ,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphoglycerol (DOPG), 1 ,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphoglycerol (DPPG), 18-1-trans PE, l,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine (DOPS), 1,2-diphytanoyl-sn- glycero-3 -phosphoethanolamine (DPHyPE); and dioctadecylamine (DODA), dihexadecylamine, distearoyl-rac -glycerol (DSG), 1,2-dipalmitoyl-rac -glycerol (DPG), l,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3- phosphoethanolamine (DOPE), and a derivative thereof. In one embodiment, the second lipid- anchored polymer comprises a linker-lipid moiety selected from the group consisting of DOPE, DSPE, DSG, DODA, DPG, and a derivative thereof. In another embodiment the lipid moiety of the second lipid-anchored polymer comprises DSPE.

[0551] In one embodiment, the ApoE protein, ApoB protein, ApoE polypeptide, ApoB polypeptide, an antibody, or a fragment thereof, is covalently linked to a lipid-anchored polymer (e.g., first lipid anchored polymer or second lipid-anchored polymer) or to an LNP of the present disclosure via strain promoted alkyne-azide cycloaddition (SPAAC) chemistry, such as via an azide-modified lipid- anchored polymer (e.g., DSG-PEG2000-azide, DSPE-PEG2000-azide, DSG-PEG3400-azide, DSPE- PEG3400-azide, DSG-PEG5000-azide, DSPE-PEG5000-azide) and a dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO)- functionalized ApoE protein, ApoB protein, ApoE polypeptide, ApoB polypeptide, an antibody or a fragment thereof.

[0552] In an exemplary embodiment, the second lipid-anchored polymer conjugated to a targeting moiety is represented by the following structure:

[0553] In another exemplary embodiment, the second lipid-anchored polymer conjugated to a targeting moiety is represented by the following structure:

[0554] In some embodiments, the LNPs of the present disclosure may comprise a first lipid-anchored polymer and a second lipid-anchored polymer. For example, the LNPs of the present disclosure may comprise a first lipid-anchored polymer that does not comprise a targeting moiety, and a second type of lipid-anchored polymer that comprises a targeting moiety, such as GalNAc. For example, the LNPs of the present disclosure may comprise DSG-PEG2000 modified to comprise an additional OCHs group (DSG-PEG2000-OMe) as a first lipid-anchored polymer and DSPE-PEG2000-GalNAc3 as a second lipid-anchored polymer. In another example, the LNPs of the present disclosure may comprise a polymer-conjugated lipid as a first lipid-anchored polymer of the present disclosure and a second-anchored polymer, e.g. , a second-anchored polymer conjugated to a targeting moiety. For example, the LNPs of the present disclosure may comprise DODA-PG45 as a first lipid-anchored polymer and DSPE-PEG2000-OH as the second lipid-anchored polymer.

[0555] In some embodiments, the LNPs of the present disclosure may comprise a first lipid-anchored polymer and a second lipid-anchored polymer, wherein the second lipid-anchored polymer comprises a targeting moiety. In some embodiments, the second lipid-anchored polymer comprises a lipid moiety selected from the group consisting of DSPE, DSG, DODA, DPG, DOPE, DODG, and a derivative of thereof. In some embodiments, the first lipid-anchored polymer is any lipid-anchored polymer as described hereinabove. In one specific embodiment, the first lipid-anchored polymer is the polymer-conjugated lipid of the present disclosure, e.g., DODA-PG34, DODA-PG45, DODA- PG46, or DODA-PG58. For example, the LNPs of the present disclosure may comprise DODA-PG45 as a first lipid-anchored polymer and DSPE-PEG2000-GalNAc3 as the second lipid-anchored polymer. In other embodiments, the first lipid-anchored polymer is DODG-PG34, DODG-PG45, DODG-PG46, or DODG-PG58.

[0556] In some embodiments, the targeting moiety is conjugated to a DSPE-anchored polymer. In some embodiments, the DSPE-anchored polymer is DSPE-PEG or a derivative thereof.

[0557] In some embodiments, the targeting moiety is conjugated to a DSG-anchored polymer. In some embodiments, the DSG-anchored polymer is DSG-PEG or a derivative thereof.

[0558] In some embodiments, the LNPs provided by the present disclosure comprise a therapeutic nucleic acid (TNA); an ionizable lipid; a sterol; a helper lipid, and a first lipid-anchored polymer, wherein the first lipid-anchored polymer comprises the polymer-conjugated lipid.

[0559] In some embodiments, the ionizable lipid constitutes about 20 mol% to about 60 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP. In some embodiments, the ionizable lipid constitutes about 35 mol% to about 50 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP. In some embodiments, the sterol constitutes about 20 mol% to about 50 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP. In some embodiments, the sterol constitutes about 30 mol% to about 45 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP. In some embodiments, the helper lipid constitutes about 1 mol% to about 40 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP. In some embodiments, the helper lipid constitutes about 5 mol% to about 15 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP. In some embodiments, the first lipid-anchored polymer constitutes about 0.5 mol% to about 5 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP. In some embodiments, the first lipid-anchored polymer constitutes about 1.5 mol% to about 3 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP. In some embodiments, the second lipid-anchored polymer constitutes about 0.05 mol% to about 5 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP. In some embodiments, the second lipid-anchored polymer constitutes about 0.1 mol% to about 1 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP.

[0560] Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) comprising ceDNA are disclosed in International Patent Application No. PCT / US2018 / 050042, filed on September 7, 2018, which is incorporated herein in its entirety and envisioned for use in the methods and compositions as disclosed therein.

[0561] The size of LNPs can be determined by quasi-elastic light scattering using a Malvern Zetasizer Nano ZS (Malvern, UK). In some embodiments, LNPs of the present disclosure have a mean diameter as determined by light scattering of less than about 90 nm, e.g., less than about 80 nm or less than about 75 nm. According to some embodiments, LNPs of the present disclosure have a mean diameter as determined by light scattering of between about 50 nm and about 75 nm or between about 50 nm and about 70 nm. The pKa of formulated cationic lipids can be correlated with the effectiveness of the LNPs for delivery of nucleic acids (see Jayaraman et al., Angewandte Chemie. International Edition (2012), 51(34), 8529-8533; Semple et al., Nature Biotechnology 28, 172-176 (2010), both of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties). In one embodiment, the pKa of each cationic lipid is determined in lipid nanoparticles using an assay based on fluorescence of 2-(p-toluidino)-6- napthalene sulfonic acid (TNS). LNPs in PBS at a concentration of 0.4 mM total lipid can be prepared using the in-line process as described herein and elsewhere. TNS can be prepared as a 100 mM stock solution in distilled water. Vesicles can be diluted to 24 mM lipid in 2 m of buffered solutions containing, 10 mM HEPES, 10 mM MES, 10 mM ammonium acetate, 130 mM NaCl, where the pH ranges from 2.5 to 11. An aliquot of the TNS solution can be added to give a final concentration of 1 mM and following vortex mixing fluorescence intensity is measured at room temperature in an SLM Aminco Series 2 Luminescence Spectrophotometer using excitation and emission wavelengths of 321 nm and 445 nm. A sigmoidal best fit analysis can be applied to the fluorescence data and the pKa is measured as the pH giving rise to half-maximal fluorescence intensity.

[0562] In one embodiment, relative activity can be determined by measuring luciferase expression in the liver 4 hours following administration via tail vein injection. The activity is compared at a dose of 0.3 and 1.0 mg ceDNA / kg and expressed as ng luciferase / g liver measured 4 hours after administration.

[0563] Without limitations, LNP of the present disclosure includes a lipid formulation that can be used to deliver a capsid-free, non-viral DNA vector to a target site of interest (e.g., cell, tissue, organ, and the like). Generally, the LNP comprises capsid-free, non-viral DNA vector and a cationic lipid or a salt thereof.

[0564] Further exemplary lipid-anchored polymers (e.g., second lipid-anchored polymer) include, but are not limited to, PEG-lipid conjugates, polyoxazoline (POZ)-lipid conjugates, PG-lipid conjugates, polyamide -lipid conjugates (such as ATTA-lipid conjugates), cationic-polymer lipid (CPL) conjugates, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the second lipid-anchored polymer is a PEGylated lipid, for example, a (methoxy polyethylene glycol) -conjugated lipid. PEG-diacylglycerol (DAG) (such as l-(monomethoxy-polyethyleneglycol)-2,3-dimyristoylglycerol (PEG-DMG)), PEG- dialkyloxypropyl (DAA), PEG-phospholipid, a pegylated phosphatidylethanoloamine (PEG-PE), PEG succinate diacylglycerol (PEGS-DAG) (such as 4-0-(2’,3’-di(tetradecanoyloxy)propyl-l-0-(w- methoxy(polyethoxy)ethyl) butanedioate (PEG-S-DMG)), PEG dialkoxypropylcarbam, N-(carbonyl- methoxypoly ethylene glycol 2000)-l,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphoethanolamine sodium salt, or a mixture thereof. Additional exemplary PEG-lipid conjugates are described, for example, in International Patent Application Publication Nos. WO 1996 / 010392, WO1998 / 051278, W02002 / 087541, W02005 / 026372, WO2008 / 147438, W02009 / 086558, W02012 / 000104, WO2017 / 117528, WO2017 / 099823, WO2015 / 199952, W02017 / 004143, WO2015 / 095346, WO2012 / 000104, WO2012 / 000104, and WO2010 / 006282, U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. US2003 / 0077829, US2005 / 0175682, US2008 / 0020058, US2011 / 0117125, US2013 / 0303587, US2018 / 0028664, US2015 / 0376115, US2016 / 0376224, US2016 / 0317458, US2013 / 0303587, US2013 / 0303587, and US20110123453, and U.S. Patent Nos. US5,885,613, US6,287,591, US6,320,017, and US6,586,559, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0565] Additional examples of PEG-DAA PEGylated lipids include, for example, PEG- dilauryloxypropyl, PEG- dimyristyloxypropyl, PEG-dipalmityloxypropyl, or PEG-distearyloxypropyl. The PEG-lipid can be one or more of PEG-DMG, PEG-dilaurylglycerol, PEG-dipalmitoylglycerol, PEG-disterylglycerol, PEG-dilaurylglycamide, PEG-dimyristylglycamide, PEG- dipalmitoylglycamide, PEG- disterylglycamide, PEG-cholesterol (l-[8’-(Cholest-5-en-3[beta]- oxy)carboxamido-3’,6’-dioxaoctanyl] carbamoyl-[omega]-methyl-poly(ethylene glycol), PEG-DMB (3,4-Ditetradecoxylbenzyl- [omega] - methyl -poly (ethylene glycol) ether), and 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn- glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N- [methoxy(polyethylene glycol)-2000]. In one embodiment, the PEG-lipid can be selected from the group consisting of PEG-DMG, l,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3- phosphoethanolamine-N- [methoxy(polyethylene glycol)-2000],

[0566] Yet further exemplary lipid-anchored polymers (e.g., second lipid-anchored polymer) include N-(carbonyl-methoxyPEGn)-l,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphoethanolamine (DMPE-PEGn, where n is 350, 500, 750, 1000 or 2000), N-(carbonyl-methoxyPEGn)-l,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3- phosphoethanolamine (DSPE-PEGn, where n is 350, 500, 750, 1000 or 2000), DSPE-polyglycelin- cyclohexyl -carboxylic acid, DSPE-polyglycelin-2-methylglutar-carboxylic acid, 1,2-distearoyl-sn- glycero-3 -phosphoethanolamine (DSPE) conjugated polyethylene glycol (DSPE-PEG-OH), polyethylene glycol-dimyristolglycerol (PEG-DMG), or polyethylene glycol-distearoyl glycerol (PEG-DSG). In some examples of DMPE-PEG„, where n is 350, 500, 750, 1000 or 2000, the PEG- lipid is N-(carbonyl-methoxypolyethyleneglycol 2000)-l,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3- phosphoethanolamine (DMPE-PEG 2,000). In some examples of DSPE-PEG„. where n is 350, 500, 750, 1000 or 2000, the PEG-lipid is N-(carbonyl-methoxyPEG 2000)-l,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3- phosphoethanolamine (DSPE-PEG 2,000). In some embodiments, the PEG-lipid is DSPE-PEG-OH. In some embodiments, the PEG-lipid is PEG-DMG having two C14 hydrophobic tails and PEG2000.

[0567] E. Therapeutic Nucleic Acid

[0568] The LNPs provided by the present disclosure also comprise a therapeutic nucleic acid (TNA). According to embodiments, also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the LNPs of the disclosure.

[0569] Illustrative therapeutic nucleic acids in the LNPs of the present disclosure can include, but are not limited to, minigenes, plasmids, minicircles, small interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA (miRNA), antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), ribozymes, deoxyribozymes, closed ended double stranded DNA (e.g., ceDNA, CELiD, linear covalently closed DNA (“ministring”), doggybone™, protelomere closed ended DNA, or dumbbell linear DNA), dicer-substrate dsRNA, small hairpin RNA (shRNA), asymmetrical interfering RNA (aiRNA), mRNA, tRNA, rRNA, gRNA, and DNA viral vectors, viral RNA vectors, non-viral vectors, and any combination thereof.

[0570] In any of the aspects and embodiments provided herein, the therapeutic nucleic acid can be a therapeutic DNA. Said therapeutic DNA can be ceDNA, ssDNA, CELiD, linear covalently closed DNA (“ministring” or otherwise), doggybone™, protelomere closed ended DNA, dumbbell linear DNA, minigenes, plasmids, or minicircles.

[0571] In one embodiment, the therapeutic nucleic acid can be a circular single -stranded polynucleotide comprised of at least three sections, two of which have sufficient complementarity to form a duplex, and an intervening sequence containing the single-stranded nucleic acid to be delivered, as described in described in WO2021 / 058984, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. siRNA or miRNA that can downregulate the intracellular levels of specific proteins through a process called RNA interference (RNAi) are also contemplated by the present disclosure to be nucleic acid therapeutics. After siRNA or miRNA is introduced into the cytoplasm of a host cell, these double-stranded RNA constructs can bind to a protein called RISC. The sense strand of the siRNA or miRNA is removed by the RISC complex. The RISC complex, when combined with the complementary mRNA, cleaves the mRNA and release the cut strands. RNAi is by inducing specific destruction of mRNA that results in downregulation of a corresponding protein.

[0572] Antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) and ribozymes that inhibit mRNA translation into protein can be nucleic acid therapeutics. For antisense constructs, these single stranded deoxy nucleic acids have a complementary sequence to the sequence of the target protein mRNA, and Watson - capable of binding to the mRNA by Crick base pairing. This binding prevents translation of a target mRNA, and / or triggers RNaseH degradation of the mRNA transcript. As a result, the antisense oligonucleotide has increased specificity of action (z.e., down-regulation of a specific disease-related protein).

[0573] In any of the aspects and embodiments provided herein, the therapeutic nucleic acid can be a therapeutic RNA. Said therapeutic RNA can be messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding a protein or peptide, an inhibitor of mRNA translation, agent of RNA interference (RNAi), catalytically active RNA molecule (ribozyme), transfer RNA (tRNA), an RNA that binds an mRNA transcript (ASO), protein or other molecular ligand (aptamer), or a guide RNA (gRNA). In any of the methods provided herein, the agent of RNAi can be a double -stranded RNA, single -stranded RNA, microRNA, short interfering RNA, short hairpin RNA, or a triplex-forming oligonucleotide.

[0574] Closed-ended DNA (ceDNA) vectors

[0575] In some embodiments, LNPs provided by the present disclosure comprise closed-ended DNA (ceDNA).

[0576] In some embodiments, the TNA comprises closed-ended linear duplexed (ceDNA) vectors that can express atransgene (e.g., a therapeutic nucleic acid (TNA)). The ceDNA vectors as described herein have no packaging constraints imposed by the limiting space within the viral capsid. ceDNA vectors represent a viable eukaryotically-produced alternative to prokaryote-produced plasmid DNA vectors, as opposed to encapsulated AAV genomes. This permits the insertion of control elements, e.g., regulatory switches as disclosed herein, large transgenes, multiple transgenes etc. ceDNA vectors preferably have a linear and continuous structure rather than a non- continuous structure. The linear and continuous structure is believed to be more stable from attack by cellular endonucleases, as well as less likely to be recombined and cause mutagenesis. Thus, a ceDNA vector in the linear and continuous structure is a preferred embodiment. The continuous, linear, single strand intramolecular duplex ceDNA vector can have covalently bound terminal ends, without sequences encoding AAV capsid proteins. These ceDNA vectors are structurally distinct from plasmids (including ceDNA plasmids described herein), which are circular duplex nucleic acid molecules of bacterial origin. The complimentary strands of plasmids may be separated following denaturation to produce two nucleic acid molecules, whereas in contrast, ceDNA vectors, while having complimentary strands, are a single DNA molecule and therefore even if denatured, it is likely to remain a single molecule. In some embodiments, ceDNA vectors can be produced without DNA base methylation of prokaryotic type, unlike plasmids. Therefore, the ceDNA vectors and ceDNA-plasmids are different both in term of structure (in particular, linear versus circular) and also in view of the methods used for producing and purifying these different objects, and also in view of their DNA methylation which is of prokaryotic type for ceDNA-plasmids and of eukaryotic type for the ceDNA vector.

[0577] Provided herein are non-viral, capsid-free ceDNA molecules with covalently closed ends (ceDNA). These non-viral capsid free ceDNA molecules can be produced in permissive host cells from an expression construct (e.g., a ceDNA-plasmid, a ceDNA-bacmid, a ceDNA-baculovirus, or an integrated cell-line) containing a heterologous gene (e.g., a transgene, in particular a therapeutic transgene) positioned between two different inverted terminal repeat (ITR) sequences, where the ITRs are different with respect to each other. In some embodiments, one of the ITRs is modified by deletion, insertion, and / or substitution as compared to a wild-type ITR sequence (e.g. AAV ITR); and at least one of the ITRs comprises a functional terminal resolution site (trs) and a Rep binding site. The ceDNA vector is preferably duplex, e.g., self-complementary, over at least a portion of the molecule, such as the expression cassette (e.g., ceDNA is not a double stranded circular molecule). The ceDNA vector has covalently closed ends, and thus is resistant to exonuclease digestion (e.g., exonuclease I or exonuclease III), e.g., for over an hour at 37°C.

[0578] In one aspect, a ceDNA vector comprises, in the 5’ to 3’ direction: a first adeno-associated virus (AAV) inverted terminal repeat (ITR), a nucleotide sequence of interest (for example an expression cassette as described herein) and a second AAV ITR. In one embodiment, the first ITR (5’ ITR) and the second ITR (3’ ITR) are asymmetric with respect to each other - that is, they have a different 3D-spatial configuration from one another. As an exemplary embodiment, the first ITR can be a wild-type ITR and the second ITR can be a mutated or modified ITR, or vice versa, where the first ITR can be a mutated or modified ITR and the second ITR a wild- type ITR. In one embodiment, the first ITR and the second ITR are both modified but are different sequences, or have different modifications, or are not identical modified ITRs, and have different 3D spatial configurations. Stated differently, a ceDNA vector with asymmetric ITRs have ITRs where any changes in one ITR relative to the WT-ITR are not reflected in the other ITR; or alternatively, where the asymmetric ITRs have a the modified asymmetric ITR pair can have a different sequence and different three-dimensional shape with respect to each other.

[0579] In one embodiment, a ceDNA vector compri...

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is Claimed is:

1. A method of treating a disease, disorder, or condition in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject at least a first dose and at least a second dose of an effective amount of a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) comprising a first lipid-anchored polymer, wherein the first lipid-anchored polymer comprises:(i) a polyglycerol (PG) or a PG derivative;(ii) a lipid moiety; and(iii) an optional linker conjugating the PG or the PG derivative to the lipid moiety.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject is a human.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the disease, disorder, or condition is a genetic disease or disorder.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the genetic disease or disorder is selected from the group consisting of sickle cell disease; melanoma; hemophilia A (clotting factor VIII (FVIII) deficiency); hemophilia B (clotting factor IX (FIX) deficiency); cystic fibrosis (CFTR); familial hypercholesterolemia (LDL receptor defect); hepatoblastoma; Wilson’s disease; phenylketonuria (PKU); congenital hepatic porphyria; an inherited disorder of hepatic metabolism; Lesch-Nyhan syndrome; a thalassemia; xeroderma pigmentosum; Fanconi anemia; retinitis pigmentosa; ataxia telangiectasia; Bloom syndrome; retinoblastoma; a mucopolysaccharide storage disease; a Niemann- Pick Disease; Fabry disease; Schindler disease; GM2 -gangliosidosis Type II (Sandhoff Disease); Tay- Sachs disease; Metachromatic Leukodystrophy; Krabbe disease; a mucolipidosis (ML); Sialidosis Type II, a glycogen storage disease (GSD); Gaucher disease; cystinosis; Batten disease;Aspartylglucosaminuria; Salla disease; Danon disease (LAMP-2 deficiency); Lysosomal Acid Lipase (LAL) deficiency; a neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCL); a sphingolipidoses, galactosialidosis; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); Parkinson’s disease; Alzheimer’s disease; Huntington’s disease; spinocerebellar ataxia; spinal muscular atrophy (SMA); Friedreich’s ataxia; Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD); a Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB); ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase 1 deficiency; generalized arterial calcification of infancy (GACI); Leber Congenital Amaurosis; Stargardt disease; wet macular degeneration (wet AMD); ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency; Usher syndrome; alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency; a progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC); and Cathepsin A deficiency.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the method provides anti -tumor immunity to a subject in need thereof.

6. The method of claim 1 or 5, wherein the disease, disorder or condition is associated with an elevated expression of a tumor antigen.

7. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the disease, disorder, or condition is a blood disease, disorder or condition.

8. The method of any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the disease, disorder, or condition is an autoimmune disease, disorder, or condition.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the autoimmune disease, disorder, or condition is selected from the group consisting of rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, type I diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, Crohn’s disease, Celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Addison’s disease, dermatomyositis, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), Guillain-Barre syndrome, myasthenia gravis, autoimmune vasculitis, pernicious anemia, vitiligo, systemic sclerosis, scleroderma, diffuse scleroderma, limited scleroderma, linear scleroderma, localized scleroderma, hemolytic anemia, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), achantholysis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, adult-onset Still disease, allergic glomerulonephritis, ANCA associated vasculitis, ankylosing spondylitis, anti- glomerular basement membrane disease, anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis, antiphospholipid syndrome, antisynthetase syndrome, autoimmune gastritis, autoimmune hypophysitis, autoimmune liver disease, autoimmune lung disease, autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome, autoimmune pancreatitis, autoimmune polyendocrinopathy candidiasis ectodermal dystrophy, autoimmune skin disease, autoimmune thyroiditis, autoimmune uveitis, Behcet diseae, bullous pemphigoid, Churg Strauss syndrome, dermatitis herpetiformis, endocrine ophthalmopathy, erythematous pemphigus, Felty syndrome, Giant cell arteritis, IgA glomerulonephritis, membranous glomerulonephritis, Goodpasture syndrome, Granulomatosis with polyangiitis, Graves’ ophthalmopathy, Hailey Hailey syndrome, heparin induced thrombocytopenia, autoimmune hepatitis, idiopathic hypoparathryroidism, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, IgA pemphigus, immune complex nephritis, immunoglobulin A nephropathy, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, linear IgA bullous dermatosis, lupus nephritis, lupus vasculitis, microscopic polyangiitis, morphea, mucous membrane phemphigoid, myasthenia gravis, nonarticular rheumatism, sympathetic ophthalmia, opsoclonous myoclonus syndrome, paraneoplastic pemphigus, pemphigoid, pemphigoid gestationis, pemphigus, pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigus vulgaris, pernicious anemia, autoimmune polyendocrinopathies, polyradiculoneuropathy,postpartum thyroiditis, primary biliary cirrhosis, rheumatic disease, rheumatic heart disease, rheumatoid polymyalgia, rheumatoid nodule, rheumatoid vasculitis, stiff-person syndrome, CREST syndrome, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, sarcoidosis, and uveomeningoencephalitic syndrome.

10. The method of any one of claims 1-9, further comprising administering to the subject at least a third dose of an effective amount of the LNP.

11. The method of any one of claims 1-9, further comprising administering to the subject at least a fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, or subsequent dose of an effective amount of the LNP.

12. The method of any one of claims 1-11, wherein each dose is formulated as a pharmaceutical composition comprising the LNP and a pharmaceutically effective carrier.

13. The method of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the PG derivative is a carboxylated PG.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the carboxylated PG is a glutarylated PG.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the glutarylated PG is 3 -methyl glutarylated PG.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the carboxylated PG is 2-carboxycyclohexane-l- carboxylated PG.

17. The method of any one of claims 1-16, wherein the PG or the PG derivative is linear or branched.

18. The method of any one of claims 1-17, wherein the lipid moiety is represented by Formula (I):or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:R1is absent, hydrogen, Ci-Ce alkyl, or a hydrophobic tail comprising 10-30 carbon atoms;R2is absent, hydrogen, Ci-Ce alkyl, or a hydrophobic tail comprising 10-30 carbon atoms; wherein, when R1and R2are each hydrogen, Ci-Ce alkyl, or a hydrophobic tail comprising 10-30 carbon atoms, N is positively charged; andR3is a hydrophobic tail comprising 10-30 carbon atoms, wherein » / wv' inFormula (I) is a bond conjugating the lipid moiety and the linker, when present.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein R1is absent, and wherein R2and R3are each independently a hydrophobic tail comprising 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, or 22 carbon atoms.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein R2and R3are each independently a hydrophobic tail comprising 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, or 22 carbon atoms.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein R2and R3are each independently a hydrophobic tail comprising 18 carbon atoms, and wherein the lipid moiety is dioctadecylamine (DODA).

22. The method of any one of claims 1-18, wherein the lipid moiety conjugated to a linker is represented by the following structure:

23. The method of any one of claims 1-22, wherein the lipid moiety is selected from the group consisting of l,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphocholine (DPPC), 1 -palmitoyl -2 -oleoyl -glycero-3- phosphocholine (POPC), 1 -palmitoyl -2 -oleoyl -sn-glycero-3 -phosphoethanolamine (POPE), 1- palmitoyl -2 -oleoyl -sn-glycero-3 -phospho-( 1 '-rac -glycerol) (POPG), 1 ,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3 - phosphoethanolamine (DPPE), 1,2-distearoyl -sn-glycero-3 -phosphoethanolamine (DSPE), 1,2- dielaidoyl-sn-phosphatidylethanolamine (DEPE), l-stearoyl-2 -oleoyl -sn-glycero-3- phosphoethanolamine (SOPE), l,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphoglycerol (DOPG), 1,2-dipalmitoyl- sn-glycero-3 -phosphoglycerol (DPPG), 18-1-trans PE, l,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine (DOPS), l,2-diphytanoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphoethanolamine (DPHyPE), dioctadecylamine (DODA), dihexadecylamine, distearoyl -rac -glycerol (DSG), 1,2-dipalmitoyl -rac -glycerol (DPG), 1,2-dioleoyl- sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE), 1,2-O-dioctadecyl-sn -glycerol (DODG), and a derivative of any of the foregoing.

24. The method of any one of claims 1-23, wherein the lipid moiety is selected from the group consisting of DOPE, DSPE, DSG, DODA, DPG, DODG, and a derivative of any of the foregoing.

25. The method of any one of claims 1-24, wherein the PG or the PG derivative comprises about5 to 100 monomeric units.

26. The method of any one of claims 1-25, wherein the PG or the PG derivative comprises about 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 monomeric units.

27. The method of any one of claims 1-26, wherein the PG or the PG derivative comprises about 8, 27, 34, 45, 46, 50, or 58 monomeric units.

28. The method of any one of claims 1-27, wherein the PG or the PG derivative comprises about 8 monomer units.

29. The method of any one of claims 1-27, wherein the PG or the PG derivative comprises about 27 monomer units.

30. The method of any one of claims 1-27, wherein the PG or the PG derivative comprises about 34 monomeric units.

31. The method of any one of claims 1-27, wherein the PG or the PG derivative comprises about45 monomeric units.

32. The method of any one of claims 1-27, wherein the PG or the PG derivative comprises about46 monomeric units.

33. The method of any one of claims 1-27, wherein the PG or the PG derivative comprises about 50 monomeric units.

34. The method of any one of claims 1-27, wherein the PG or the PG derivative comprises about 58 monomeric units.

35. The method of any one of claims 1-34, wherein the linker is absent.

36. The method of any one of claims 1-34, wherein the linker, when present, is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl linker, a glycerol linker, a phosphate linker, a phosphate ester linker, an ether linker, an ester linker, a diester linker, an amide linker, a diamide linker, an amine linker, a peptide linker, a phosphoethanolamine linker, a phosphocholine linker, a carbamate linker, a diamide alkyl linker, a cleavable linker, and any combination thereof.

37. The method of any one of claims 1-34 or 36, wherein the linker, when present, is selected from the group consisting of -(CH2)n-, -C(O)(CH2)n-, -C(O)O(CH2)n, -OC(O)(CH2)nC(O)O-, and -NH(CH2)nC(O)O-, wherein n is an integer ranging from 1 to 20.

38. The method of any one of claims 1-34 or 36-37, wherein the linker, when present, is a glutaryl linker or a succinyl linker.

39. The method of any one of claims 1-34 or 36-38, wherein the linker, when present, is -C(O)(CH2)n-, and wherein n is 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.

40. The method of any one of claims 37-39, wherein n is 4.

41. The method of any one of claims 1-40, wherein the first lipid-anchored polymer is represented by the following structure:or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

42. The method of any one of claims 1-40, wherein the first lipid-anchored polymer is represented by the following structure:or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

43. The method of any one of claims 1-40, wherein the first lipid-anchored polymer is represented by the following structure:or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

44. The method of any one of claims 1-40, wherein the first lipid-anchored polymer is represented by the following structure:or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

45. The method of any one of claims 1-40, wherein the first lipid-anchored polymer is represented by the following structure:or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

46. The method of any one of claims 1-45, further comprising a reactive species conjugated to thePG or the PG derivative, wherein the reactive species is functionalized to be conjugated to a targeting moiety.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein the reactive species is a click chemistry reagent or maleimide.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein the click chemistry reagent is selected from the group consisting of a dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO) reagent, a transcylooctene (TCO) reagent, a tetrazine (Tz) reagent, an alkyne reagent, and an azide reagent.

49. The method of any one of claims 46-48, further comprising a targeting moiety conjugated to the PG or the PG derivative via the reactive species.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein the targeting moiety is conjugated to the PG or the PG derivative via a dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO)-azide conjugation, an azide-alkyne conjugation, a TCO- Tz conjugation, or a thiol-maleimide conjugation.

51. The method of claim 49 or 50, wherein the targeting moiety is capable of binding to a liver cell.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein the liver cell is a hepatocyte.

53. The method of any one of claims 49-52, wherein the targeting moiety is N-acetyl galactosamine (GalNAc) or a GalNAc derivative.

54. The method of any one of claims 49-53, wherein the targeting moiety is a tri-antennary GalNAc conjugate or a tetra-antennary GalNAc conjugate.

55. The method of claim 49-52, wherein the targeting moiety is selected from the group consisting of an ApoE protein, an ApoE polypeptide, an ApoB protein, an ApoB polypeptide, and a fragment or a variant thereof.

56. The method of any one of claims 49-52, wherein the targeting moiety is an antibody or an antibody fragment, wherein the antibody or the antibody fragment is capable of specifically binding an antigen present on the surface of a cell.

57. The method of claim 56, wherein the antibody or the antibody fragment is a monoclonal antibody (mAb), a single chain variable fragment (scFv), a heavy chain antibody (hcAb), a nanobody (Nb), a heavy-chain-only immunoglobulin (HCIg), an immunoglobulin new antigen receptor (IgNAR), variable domain of immunoglobulin new antigen receptor (VNAR), a single -domain antibody, or a variable heavy chain-only antibody (VHH).

58. The method of any one of claims 49, 50, 56, or 57, wherein the targeting moiety is capable of binding to an antigen on a cell or cell fragment selected from the group consisting of a T cell, a B cell, a natural killer (NK) cell, a dendritic cell, a macrophage, a red blood cell, a platelet, a megakaryocyte, a hematopoietic stem cell (HSC), a hematopoietic stem or progenitor cell (HSPC), a CD34+ cell, a muscle cell, a brain cell, a nerve cell, a lung cell, an endothelial cell, an epithelial cell, a kidney cell, a spleen cell, an ovarian cell, a testicular cell, a uterine cell, a placental cell, a vascular cell, a skin cell, and an endocrine cell.

59. The method of claim 58, wherein the T cell is a CD8+ T cell or a CD4+ T cell.

60. The method of any one of claims 1-59, wherein the LNP further comprises:(i) a therapeutic nucleic acid (TNA);(ii) an ionizable lipid; and(iii) a sterol.

61. The method of any one of claims 1-60, wherein the LNP further comprises a helper lipid.

62. The method of claim 61, wherein the helper lipid comprises a phospholipid or a phosphatidylcholine (PC).

63. The method of claim 61 or 62, wherein the helper lipid is selected from the group consisting of l,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphocholine (DSPC), hydrogenated soybean PC (HSPC), phosphatidylserine (PS), l,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphocholine (DOPC), 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn- glycero-3 -phosphocholine (DPPC), l-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC), 1,2- dilauroyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DLPC), l-margaroyl-2 -oleoyl -sn-glycero-3 -phosphocholine (MOPC), 1 -palmitoyl -2 -linoleoyl -sn-glycero-3 -phosphocholine (PLPC), 1 -stearoyl -2 -myristoyl -sn- glycero-3 -phosphocholine (SMPC), 1,2-dimyristoyl -sn-glycero-3 -phosphocholine (DMPC), 1,2- dihexanoyl -sn-glycero-3 -phosphocholine (DHPC), 1 ,2-dierucoyl -sn-glycero-3 -phosphocholine (DEPC), l-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC), and 1,2-dioleoyl -sn-glycero-3 - phosphoethanolamine (DOPE).

64. The method of any one of claims 61-63, wherein the helper lipid is DSPC.

65. The method of claim 61, wherein the helper lipid is represented by Formula (II):or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or an ester thereof, wherein:'' is a single bond or a double bond;R1is C1-C17 alkyl or C2-C17 alkenyl;R2is C1-C22 alkyl or C2-C22 alkenyl;R3is hydrogen or C1-C2 alkyl; and R4is hydrogen or C1-C2 alkyl.

66. The method of claim 65, wherein ''' is a double bond.

67. The method of claim 64 or 65, wherein R1is C10-C20 alkenyl, R2is C10-C20 alkyl and R3is hydrogen.

68. The method of any one of claims 65-67, wherein the helper lipid represented by Formula (II) is:or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

69. The method of any one of claims 65-67, wherein the helper lipid represented by Formula (II)or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

70. The method of any one of claims 65-67, wherein the helper lipid represented by Formula (II) is:or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

71. The method of any one of claims 65-67, wherein the helper lipid represented by Formula (II) is:or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

72. The method of any one of claims 65-67, wherein the helper lipid represented by Formula (II) is:or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

73. The method of any one of claims 65-67, wherein the helper lipid represented by Formula (II) is:or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

74. The method of any one of claims 60-73, wherein the sterol is selected from the group consisting of cholesterol, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, beta-sitostanol, campesterol, brassicasterol, and a derivative thereof.

75. The method of any one of claims 60-74, wherein the sterol is cholesterol.

76. The method of any one of claims 60-75, wherein the ionizable lipid is represented by: a) Formula (A):Formula (A), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:R1and R1are each independently optionally substituted linear or branched C1-3 alkylene;R2and R2are each independently optionally substituted linear or branched C1-6 alkylene;R3and R3are each independently optionally substituted linear or branched C1-6 alkyl; or alternatively, when R2is optionally substituted branched C1-6 alkylene, R2and R3, taken together with their intervening N atom, form a 4- to 8-membered heterocyclyl; or alternatively, when R2is optionally substituted branched C1-6 alkylene, R2and R3, taken together with their intervening N atom, form a 4- to 8-membered heterocyclyl;R4and R4are each independently -CRa, -C(Ra)2CRa, or -[C(Ra)2]2CRa;Ra, for each occurrence, is independently H or C1-3 alkyl; or alternatively, when R4is -C(Ra)2CRa, or -[C(Ra)2]2CRaand when Rais C1-3 alkyl, R3and R4, taken together with their intervening N atom, form a 4- to 8-membered heterocyclyl; or alternatively, when R4is -C(Ra)2CRa, or -[C(Ra)2]2CRaand when Rais C1-3 alkyl, R3andR4, taken together with their intervening N atom, form a 4- to 8-membered heterocyclyl;R5and R5are each independently hydrogen, C1-20 alkylene or C2-20 alkenylene;R6and R6, for each occurrence, are independently C1-20 alkylene, C3-20 cycloalkylene, or C2-20 alkenylene; and m and n are each independently an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; or b) Formula (B):Formula (B), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: a is an integer ranging from 1 to 20; b is an integer ranging from 2 to 10;R1is absent or is selected from (C2-C2o)alkenyl, -C(0)0(C2-C2o)alkyl, and cyclopropyl substituted with (C2-C2o)alkyl; andR2is (C2-C2o)alkyl; or c) Formula (C):Formula (C), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:R1and R1are each independently (Ci-Ce)alkylene optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from Ra;R2and R2are each independently (Ci-C2)alkylene;R3and R3are each independently (Ci-Ce)alkyl optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from Rb; or alternatively, R2and R3and / or R2and R3are taken together with their intervening N atom to form a 4- to 7-membered heterocyclyl;R4and R4’ are each a (C2-Ce)alkylene interrupted by -C(O)O-;R5and R5’ are each independently a (C2-C3o)alkyl or (C2-C3o)alkenyl, each of which are optionally interrupted with -C(O)O- or (C3-Ce)cycloalkyl; andRaand Rbare each halo or cyano; or d) Formula (D):Formula (D), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:R’ is absent, hydrogen, or Ci-Ce alkyl; provided that when R’ is hydrogen or Ci-Ce alkyl, the nitrogen atom to which R’, R1, and R2are all positively charged;R1and R2are each independently hydrogen, Ci-Ce alkyl, or C2-C6 alkenyl;R3is C1-C12 alkylene or C2-C12 alkenylene;p4aR is Ci-Cis unbranched alkyl, C2-C18 unbranched alkenyl, or ; wherein:R4aand R4bare each independently Ci-Cie unbranched alkyl or C2-C16 unbranched alkenyl; R5is absent, Ci-Cs alkylene, or C2-C8 alkenylene;R6aand R6bare each independently C7-C16 alkyl or C7-C16 alkenyl; provided that the total number of carbon atoms in R6aand R6bas combined is greater than 15;X1and X2are each independently -OC(=O)-, -SC(=O)-, -OC(=S)-, -C(=O)O-, -C(=O)S-, -S-S-, -C(Ra)=N-, -N=C(Ra)-, -C(Ra)=NO-, -O-N=C(Ra)-, -C(=O)NRa-, -NRaC(=O)-, -NRaC(=O)NRa-, -OC(=O)O-, -OSi(Ra)2O-, -C(=O)(CRa2)C(=O)O-, or OC(=O)(CRa2)C(=O)-; wherein:Ra, for each occurrence, is independently hydrogen or Ci-Ce alkyl; and n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; or e) Formula (E):Formula (E), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:R’ is absent, hydrogen, or C1-C3 alkyl; provided that when R’ is hydrogen or C1-C3 alkyl, the nitrogen atom to which R’, R1, and R2are all attached is positively charged;R1and R2are each independently hydrogen or C1-C3 alkyl;R3is C3-C10 alkylene or C3-C10 alkenylene;R4is Ci-Cie unbranched alkyl, C2-C16 unbranched alkenyl, or; wherein:R4aand R4bare each independently Ci-Cie unbranched alkyl or C2-Cie unbranched alkenyl;R5is absent, Ci-Ce alkylene, or C2-Ce alkenylene;R6aand R6bare each independently C7-C14 alkyl or C7-C14 alkenyl;X is -OC(=O)-, -SC(=O)-, -OC(=S)-, -C(=O)O-, -C(=O)S-, -S-S-, -C(Ra)=N-, -N=C(Ra)-, -C(Ra)=NO-, -O-N=C(Ra)-, -C(=O)NRa-, -NRaC(=O)-, -NRaC(=O)NRa-, -OC(=O)O-, -OSi(Ra)2O-, -C(=O)(CRa)2C(=O)O-, or OC(=O)(CRa2)C(=O)-; wherein:Ra, for each occurrence, is independently hydrogen or Ci-Ce alkyl; and n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; or f) an ionizable lipid selected from the group consisting of: any of the ionizable lipids in Table 1, 4, 5, 6, or 7.

77. The method of any one of claims 60-76, wherein the ionizable lipid is Lipid 87, represented by the following structure:or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

78. The method of any one of claims 60-76, wherein the ionizable lipid is represented by the following structure:or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

79. The method of any one of claims 60-76, wherein the ionizable lipid is represented by the following structure:or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

80. The method of any one of claims 60-76, wherein the ionizable lipid is represented by the following structure:or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

81. The method of any one of claims 60-76, wherein the ionizable lipid is represented by the following structure:or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

82. The method of any one of claims 60-76, wherein the ionizable lipid is represented by the following structure:or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

83. The method of any one of claims 60-76, wherein the ionizable lipid is represented by the following structure:or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

84. The method of any one of claims 60-76, wherein the ionizable lipid is represented by the following structure:or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

85. The method of any one of claims 60-76, wherein the ionizable lipid is represented by the following structure:or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

86. The method of any one of claims 60-76, wherein the ionizable lipid is represented by the following structure:or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

87. The method of any one of claims 60-76, wherein the ionizable lipid is represented by the following structure:or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

88. The method of any one of claims 60-76, wherein the ionizable lipid is represented by the following structure:or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

89. The method of any one of claims 60-76, wherein the ionizable lipid is represented by the following structure:or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

90. The method of any one of claims 60-76, wherein the ionizable lipid is represented by the following structure:or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

91. The method of any one of claims 60-76, wherein the ionizable lipid is Lipid A, represented by the following structure:or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

92. The method of any one of claims 60-76, wherein the ionizable lipid is represented by the following structure:or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

93. The method of any one of claims 60-92, wherein the LNP further comprises a second lipid- anchored polymer, wherein the second lipid-anchored polymer comprises:(i) a lipid moiety comprising at least one hydrophobic tail;(ii) a polymer;(iii) an optional linker, wherein the polymer is conjugated to the lipid moiety via the linker; and(iv) a reactive species conjugated to the polymer, wherein the reactive species is functionalized to be conjugated to a targeting moiety.

94. The method of claim 93, wherein the polymer of the second lipid-anchored polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polysarcosine (pSar), poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC), polyglycerol (PG), and a derivative of any of the foregoing.

95. The method of any one of claims 93-94, wherein the first lipid-anchored polymer and the second lipid-anchored polymer are the same.

96. The method of any one of claims 93-95, wherein the first lipid-anchored polymer and the second lipid-anchored polymer are different.

97. The method of any one of claims 94-96, wherein the PG derivative is a carboxylated PG.

98. The method of claim 97, wherein the carboxylated PG is a glutarylated PG or 2- carboxy cyclohexane- 1 -carboxylated PG.

99. The method of claim 98, wherein the glutarylated PG is 3-methyl glutarylated PG.

100. The method of any one of claims 94-99, wherein the PG or the PG derivative is linear or branched.

101. The method of any one of claims 93-100, wherein the reactive species is a click chemistry reagent or maleimide.

102. The method of claim 101, wherein the click chemistry reagent is selected from the group consisting of a dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO) reagent, a transcylooctene (TCO) reagent, a tetrazine (Tz) reagent, an alkyne reagent, and an azide reagent.

103. The method of any one of claims 93-102, further comprising a targeting moiety conjugated to the polymer via the reactive species.

104. The method of claim 103, wherein the targeting moiety is conjugated to the polymer via a dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO)-azide conjugation, an azide-alkyne conjugation, a TCO-Tz conjugation, or a thiol-maleimide conjugation.

105. The method of claim 103 or 104, wherein the targeting moiety is capable of binding to a liver cell.

106. The method of claim 105, wherein the liver cell is a hepatocyte.

107. The method of any one of claims 103-106, wherein the targeting moiety is N-acetyl galactosamine (GalNAc) or a GalNAc derivative.

108. The method of any one of claims 103-107, wherein the targeting moiety is a tri-antennary GalNAc conjugate or a tetra-antennary GalNAc conjugate.

109. The method of any one of claims 103-106, wherein the targeting moiety is selected from the group consisting of an ApoE protein, an ApoE polypeptide, an ApoB protein, an ApoB polypeptide, and a fragment or a variant thereof.

110. The method of any one of claims 103-106, wherein the targeting moiety is an antibody or an antibody fragment, wherein the antibody or the antibody fragment is capable of specifically binding an antigen present on the surface of a cell.

111. The method of claim 110, wherein the antibody or the antibody fragment is a monoclonal antibody (mAb), a single chain variable fragment (scFv), a heavy chain antibody (hcAb), a nanobody (Nb), a heavy-chain-only immunoglobulin (HCIg), an immunoglobulin new antigen receptor (IgNAR), variable domain of immunoglobulin new antigen receptor (VNAR), a single -domain antibody, or a variable heavy chain-only antibody (VHH).

112. The method of any one of claims 103, 104, 110, or 111, wherein the targeting moiety is capable of binding to an antigen on a cell or cell fragment selected from the group consisting of a T cell, a B cell, a natural killer (NK) cell, a dendritic cell, a macrophage, a red blood cell, a platelet, a megakaryocyte, a hematopoietic stem cell (HSC), a hematopoietic stem or progenitor cell (HSPC), a CD34+ cell , a muscle cell, a brain cell, a nerve cell, a lung cell, an endothelial cell, an epithelial cell, a kidney cell, a spleen cell, an ovarian cell, a testicular cell, a uterine cell, a placental cell, a vascular cell, a skin cell, and an endocrine cell.

113. The method of claim 112, wherein the T cell is a CD8+ T cell or a CD4+ T cell.

114. The method of any one of claims 93-113, wherein the linker, when present, is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl linker, a glycerol linker, a phosphate linker, a phosphate ester linker, an ether linker, an ester linker, a diester linker, an amide linker, a diamide linker, an amine linker, a peptide linker, a phosphoethanolamine linker, a phosphocholine linker, a carbamate linker, a diamide alkyl linker, a cleavable linker, and any combination thereof.

115. The method of any one of claims 93-114, wherein the linker, when present, is selected from the group consisting of -(CH2)n-, -C(O)(CH2)n-, -C(O)O(CH2)n-, -OC(O)(CH2)nC(O)O-, and - NH(CH2)nC(O)O-, wherein n is an integer ranging from 1 to 20.

116. The method of any one of claims 93-115, wherein the linker, when present, is a glutaryl linker or a succinyl linker.

117. The method of any one of claims 93-116, wherein the linker, when present, is -C(O)(CH2)n-, and wherein n is 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.

118. The method of claim 115-117, wherein n is 4.

119. The method of any one of claims 93-118, wherein the lipid moiety of the second lipid- anchored polymer is represented by Formula (I)or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:R1is absent, hydrogen, Ci-Ce alkyl, or a hydrophobic tail comprising 10-30 carbon atoms; R2is absent, hydrogen, Ci-Ce alkyl, or a hydrophobic tail comprising 10-30 carbon atoms; wherein, when R1and R2are each hydrogen, Ci-Ce alkyl, or a hydrophobic tail comprising 10-30 carbon atoms, N is positively charged; andR3is a hydrophobic tail comprising 10-30 carbon atoms, wherein •'vw inFormula (I) is a bond conjugating the lipid moiety, when present, and the linker.

120. The method of claim 119, wherein R1is absent, and wherein R2and R3are each independently a hydrophobic tail comprising 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, or 22 carbon atoms.

121. The method of claim 119 or 120, wherein R2and R3are each independently a hydrophobic tail comprising 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, or 22 carbon atoms.

122. The method of any one of claims 119-121, wherein R2and R3are each independently a hydrophobic tail comprising 18 carbon atoms, and wherein the lipid moiety is dioctadecylamine (DODA).

123. The method of any one of claims 93-122, wherein the lipid moiety of the second lipid- anchored polymer comprises a moiety selected from the group consisting of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn- glycero-3 -phosphocholine (DPPC), l-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC), 1- palmitoyl-2 -oleoyl -sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (POPE), 1 -palmitoyl -2 -oleoyl-sn-glycero-3- phospho-( l'-rac -glycerol) (POPG), l,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphoethanolamine (DPPE), 1,2- distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DSPE), 1,2-dielaidoyl-sn-phosphatidylethanolamine (DEPE), 1 -stearoyl -2 -oleoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphoethanolamine (SOPE), l,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3- phosphoglycerol (DOPG), l,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphoglycerol (DPPG), 18-1-trans PE, 1,2- dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine (DOPS), l,2-diphytanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DPHyPE), dioctadecylamine (DODA), dihexadecylamine, distearoyl -rac -glycerol (DSG), 1,2- dipalmitoyl-rac -glycerol (DPG), l,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphoethanolamine (DOPE), 1,2-0- dioctadecyl-sn-glycerol (DODG), and a derivative thereof.

124. The method of claim 123, wherein the lipid moiety of the second lipid-anchored polymer comprises a moiety selected from the group consisting of DOPE, DSPE, DSG, DODA, DPG, DODG, and a derivative of any of the foregoing.

125. The method of claim 124, wherein the lipid moiety of the second lipid-anchored polymer comprises DSPE.

126. The method of any one of claims 93-125, wherein the lipid moiety of the first lipid-anchored polymer and the lipid moiety of the second lipid-anchored polymer are the same.

127. The method of any one of claims 93-125, wherein the lipid moiety of the first lipid-anchored polymer and the lipid moiety of the second lipid-anchored polymer are different.

128. The method of claim 93, wherein the second lipid-anchored polymer is represented by the following structure:or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

129. The method of claim 93, wherein the second lipid-anchored polymer is represented by the following structure:or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a deuterated analogue thereof.

130. The method of any one of claims 60-129, wherein the ionizable lipid is present in the LNP in an amount of about 20 mol% to about 60 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP.

131. The method of any one of claims 60-130, wherein the ionizable lipid is present in the LNP in an amount of about 35 mol% to about 50 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP.

132. The method of any one of claims 60-131, wherein the sterol is present in the LNP in an amount of about 20 mol% to about 50 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP.

133. The method of any one of claims 60-132, wherein the sterol is present in the LNP in an amount of about 30 mol% to about 45 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP.

134. The method of any one of claims 61-133, wherein the helper lipid is present in the LNP in an amount of about 1 mol% to about 40 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP.

135. The method of any one of claims 61-134, wherein the helper lipid is present in the LNP in an amount of about 5 mol% to about 15 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP.

136. The method of any one of claims 60-135, wherein the first lipid-anchored polymer is present in the LNP in an amount of about 0.5 mol% to about 5 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP.

137. The method of any one of claims 60-136, wherein the first lipid-anchored polymer is present in the LNP in an amount of about 1.5 mol% to about 3 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP.

138. The method of any one of claims 93-137, wherein the second lipid-anchored polymer is present in the LNP in an amount of about 0.05 mol% to about 5 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP.

139. The method of any one of claims 93-138, wherein the second lipid-anchored polymer is present in the LNP in an amount of about 0. 1 mol% to about 1 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP.

140. The method of any one of claims 1-59, wherein the nanoparticle (LNP) further comprises:(i) a therapeutic nucleic acid (TNA);(ii) an ionizable lipid, wherein the ionizable lipid is heptadecan-9-yl 9-((4- (dimethylamino)butanoyl)oxy)hexadecanoate, having the following structure:(iii) a sterol, wherein the sterol is cholesterol;(iv) a helper lipid, wherein the helper lipid is DSPC;(v) a first lipid-anchored polymer, wherein the first lipid-anchored polymer comprises DODA conjugated to a linear PG via a linker; and(vi) a second lipid-anchored polymer, wherein the second lipid-anchored polymer comprises DSPE conjugated to PG.

141. The method of claim 140, wherein the linear PG comprises about 5-100 monomeric units.

142. The method of claim 140 or 141, wherein the linear PG comprises about 30-60 monomeric units.

143. The method of any one of claims 140-142, wherein the PG or the PG derivative comprises about 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 monomeric units.

144. The method of any one of claims 140-143, wherein the PG comprises about 8, 27, 34, 45, 46, 50, or 58 monomeric units.

145. The method of any one of claims 140-144, wherein the PG comprises about 8 monomer units.

146. The method of any one of claims 140-144, wherein the PG comprises about 27 monomer units.

147. The method of any one of claims 140-144, wherein the PG comprises about 34 monomeric units.

148. The method of any one of claims 140-144, wherein the PG comprises about 45 monomeric units.

149. The method of any one of claims 140-144, wherein the PG comprises about 46 monomeric units.

150. The method of any one of claims 140-144, wherein the PG comprises about 46 monomeric units.

151. The method of any one of claims 140-144, wherein the PG comprises about 58 monomeric units.

152. The method of any one of claims 60-151, wherein: the ionizable lipid is present in the LNP in an amount of about 35 mol% to about 50 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP; the sterol is present in the LNP in an amount of about 30 mol% to about 45 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP; the helper lipid is present in the LNP in an amount of about 5 mol% to about 15 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP; the first lipid-anchored polymer is present in the LNP in an amount of about 1.5 mol% to about 3 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP; and the second lipid-anchored polymer is present in the LNP in an amount of about 0.1 mol% to about 1 mol% of the total lipid present in the LNP.

153. The method of any one of claims 60-152, wherein the TNA is selected from the group consisting of a minigene, a plasmid, a minicircle, a small interfering RNA (siRNA), a microRNA (miRNA), a guide RNA (gRNA), an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), a ribozyme, a deoxyribozyme, a closed-ended DNA (ceDNA), a ssDNA, a ministring, a doggybone™, a protelomere closed ended DNA, a dumbbell linear DNA, a dicer-substrate dsRNA, a small hairpin RNA (shRNA), an asymmetrical interfering RNA (aiRNA), mRNA, tRNA, rRNA, gRNA, a DNA viral vector, a viral RNA vector, a non-viral vector, and a combination thereof.

154. The method of any one of claims 60-153, wherein the TNA is a single -stranded nucleic acid or a double-stranded nucleic acid.

155. The method of any one of claims 60-153, wherein the TNA is mRNA.

156. The method of any one of claims 60-153, wherein the TNA is siRNA.

157. The method of any one of claims 60-153, wherein the TNA is ceDNA.

158. The method of any one of claims 60-153, wherein the TNA is a single-stranded DNA molecule (ssDNA).

159. The method of claim 158, wherein the ssDNA is a linear ssDNA comprising at least one nucleic acid sequence of interest flanked by at least one stem-loop structure comprising at least one stem structure and at least one loop structure at the 3’ end.

160. The method of claim 159, wherein the at least one stem-loop structure at the 3’ end is sufficient to prime replication and / or transcription.

161. The method of claim 159 or 160, wherein the stem structure at the 3’ end comprises a partial DNA duplex of about 4-1500 base pairs.

162. The method of any one of claims 159-161, wherein the stem structure at the 3’ end comprises a partial DNA duplex of about 300-1500 base pairs.

163. The method of any one of claims 159-162, wherein the loop structure at the 3’ end comprises about 3-500 unbound nucleotides.

164. The method of any one of claims 159-163, wherein the loop structure at the 3’ end comprises a minimum of 3 unbound nucleotides.

165. The method of any one of claims 158-164, wherein the ssDNA comprises at least two stemloop structures at the 3 ’ end.

166. The method of any one of claims 158-165, wherein the ssDNA comprises at least three stemloop structures at the 3 ’ end.

167. The method of any one of claims 158-166, wherein the ssDNA comprises at least four or more stem-loop structures at the 3’ end.

168. The method of any one of claims 159-164, wherein the at least one stem-loop structure at the 3’ end comprises a hairpin DNA structure.

169. The method of any one of claims 159-168, wherein the at least one stem-loop structure at the 3’ end comprises a DNA structure selected from the group consisting of: a cruciform DNA structure, a hammerhead DNA structure, a quadraplex DNA structure, a bulged DNA structure, and a multibranched loop structure.

170. The method of any one of claims 159-169, wherein the at least one stem-loop structure at the 3’ end does not comprise the A, A’, D, and D’ regions that would be present in a wild-type AAV ITR.

171. The method of any one of claims 159-170, wherein the at least one stem-loop structure at the 3’ end does not comprise the A, A’, B, B’, C, C’, D, and D’ regions that would be present in a wildtype AAV ITR.

172. The method of any one of claims 159-171, wherein the at least one stem-loop structure at the 3’ end does not comprise a rep binding element (RBE) that would be present in a wild-type ITR.

173. The method of any one of claims 159-172, wherein the at least one stem-loop structure at the 3’ end does not comprise a terminal resolution site (trs) that would be present in a wild-type ITR.

174. The method of any one of claims 159-165 or 169, wherein the at least one stem-loop structure at the 3’ end is a wild-type AAV ITR.

175. The method of any one of claims 159-173, wherein the at least one stem-loop structure at the 3 ’ end is an ITR comprising at least one addition, substitution, or deletion of at least one nucleotide as compared to a wild-type AAV ITR.

176. The method of any one of claims 159-175, wherein the stem structure at the 3’ end comprises four or more nucleotides that are modified to be exonuclease resistant.

177. The method of claim 176, wherein the nucleotides are phosphorothioate-modified nucleotides.

178. The method of any one of claims 159-177, wherein at least one stem-loop structure at the 3’ end further comprises a functional moiety.

179. The method of any one of claims 159-178, wherein the ssDNA molecule further comprises a 5’ end, comprising at least one stem -loop structure.

180. The method of claim 179, wherein the ssDNA comprises at least two stem-loop structures at the 5’ end.

181. The method of claim 179 or 180, wherein the ssDNA comprises at least three stem-loop structures at the 5’ end.

182. The method of any one of claims 179-181, wherein the ssDNA comprises at least four or more stem-loop structures at the 5’ end.

183. The method of claims 179, wherein the at least one stem-loop structure at the 5’ end comprises a hairpin DNA structure.

184. The method of any one of claims 179-183, wherein the at least one stem-loop structure at the 5’ end comprises a DNA structure selected from the group consisting of: a cruciform DNA structure, a hammerhead DNA structure, a quadraplex DNA structure, a bulged DNA structure, and a multibranched loop structure.

185. The method of any one of claims 179-184, wherein the at least one stem-loop structure at the 5’ end does not comprise the A, A’, D, and D’ regions that would be present in a wild-type AAV ITR.

186. The method of any one of claims 179-185, wherein the at least one stem-loop structure at the 5’ end does not comprise the A, A’, B, B’, C, C’, D, and D’ regions that would be present in a wildtype AAV ITR.

187. The method of any one of claims 179-186, wherein the at least one stem-loop structure at the 5’ end does not comprise a rep binding element (RBE) that would be present in a wild-type ITR.

188. The method of any one of claims 179-187, wherein the at least one stem-loop structure at the 5’ end does not comprise a terminal resolution site (trs) that would be present in a wild-type ITR.

189. The method of any one of claims 179-180 or 184, wherein the at least one stem-loop structure at the 5 ’ end is a wild-type AAV ITR.

190. The method of any one of claims 179-188, wherein the at least one stem-loop structure at the 5 ’ end is an ITR comprising at least one addition, substitution, or deletion of at least one nucleotide as compared to a wild-type AAV ITR.

191. The method of any one of claims 179-190, wherein the stem structure at the 5’ end comprises four or more nucleotides that are modified to be exonuclease resistant.

192. The method of claim 191, wherein the nucleotides are phosphorothioate-modified nucleotides.

193. The method of any one of claims 179-192, wherein the loop structure at the 5’ end further comprises one or more nucleic acids to stabilize the ends.

194. The method of any one of claims 179-193, wherein the loop structure at the 5’ end further comprises one or more nucleic acids that are chemically modified.

195. The method of any one of claims 179-194, wherein the loop structure at the 5’ end further comprises one or more aptamers.

196. The method of any one of claims 179-195, wherein the loop structure at the 5’ end further comprises one or more synthetic ribozymes.

197. The method of any one of claims 179-196, wherein the loop structure at the 5’ end further comprises one or more antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs).

198. The method of any one of claims 179-197, wherein the loop structure at the 5’ end further comprises one or more short-interfering RNAs (siRNAs).

199. The method of any one of claims 179-198, wherein the loop structure at the 5’ end further comprises one or more antiviral nucleoside analogues (ANAs).

200. The method of any one of claims 179-199, wherein the loop structure at the 5’ end further comprises one or more triplex forming oligonucleotides.

201. The method of any one of claims 179-200, wherein the loop structure at the 5 ’ end further comprises one or more gRNAs or gDNAs.

202. The method of any one of claims 179-201, wherein the loop structure at the 5’ end further comprises one or more molecular probes.

203. The method of any one of claims 153-202, wherein the ssDNA molecule is devoid of any viral capsid protein coding sequences.

204. The method of any one of claims 153-203, wherein the ssDNA molecule is synthetically produced in vitro.

205. The method of any one of claims 153-204, wherein the ssDNA molecule is synthetically produced in vitro in a cell-free environment.

206. The method of any one of claims 153-205, wherein the ssDNA molecule does not activate or minimally activates an immune pathway.

207. The method of claim 206, wherein the immune pathway is an innate immune pathway.

208. The method of claim 206 or 207, wherein the innate immune pathway is selected from the group consisting of the cGAS / STING pathway, the TLR9 pathway, an inflammasome -mediated pathway, and a combination thereof.

209. The method of any one of claims 153-208, wherein the ssDNA molecule is capable of expressing at least one therapeutic protein or a therapeutic fragment thereof.

210. The method of claim 184, wherein the at least one therapeutic protein is selected from the group consisting of an antibody, an enzyme, a coagulation factor, a transcription factor, a replication factor, a growth factor, a hormone, and a fusion protein.

211. The method of claim 209 or 210, wherein the at least one therapeutic protein is useful for treating a disease or disorder selected from the group consisting of melanoma, hemophilia A (clotting factor VIII (FVIII) deficiency) and hemophilia B (clotting factor IX (FIX) deficiency), cystic fibrosis (CFTR), familial hypercholesterolemia (LDL receptor defect), hepatoblastoma, Wilson disease, phenylketonuria (PKU), congenital hepatic porphyria, inherited disorders of hepatic metabolism, Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, sickle cell disease, thalassemias, xeroderma pigmentosum, Fanconi anemia, retinitis pigmentosa, ataxia telangiectasia, Bloom syndrome, retinoblastoma, mucopolysaccharide storage diseases (e.g., Hurler syndrome (MPS Type I), Scheie syndrome (MPS Type I S), Hurler- Scheie syndrome (MPS Type I H-S), Hunter syndrome (MPS Type II), Sanfilippo Types A, B, C, and D (MPS Types III A, B, C, and D), Morquio Types A and B (MPS IVA and MPS IVB), Maroteaux- Lamy syndrome (MPS Type VI), Sly syndrome (MPS Type VII), hyaluronidase deficiency (MPS Type IX)), Niemann-Pick Disease Types A / B, Cl and C2, Fabry disease, Schindler disease, GM2- gangliosidosis Type II (Sandhoff Disease), Tay-Sachs disease, Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, Krabbe disease, Mucolipidosis Type I, II / III and IV, Sialidosis Types I and II, Glycogen Storage disease Types I and II (Pompe disease), Gaucher disease Types I, II and III, Fabry disease, cystinosis, Batten disease, Aspartylglucosaminuria, Salla disease, Danon disease (LAMP -2 deficiency), Lysosomal Acid Lipase (LAL) deficiency, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (CLN1-8, INCL, and LINCL), sphingolipidoses, galactosialidosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, spinocerebellar ataxia, spinal muscular atrophy, Friedreich’s ataxia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Becker muscular dystrophies (BMD), dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB), ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase 1 deficiency, generalizedarterial calcification of infancy (GACI), Leber Congenital Amaurosis, Stargardt macular dystrophy (ABCA4), ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency, Usher syndrome, alpha- 1 antitrypsin deficiency, progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) type I (ATP8B1 deficiency), type II (ABCB11), type III (ABCB4), or type IV (TJP2) and Cathepsin A deficiency.

212. The method of any one of claims 1-211, wherein the LNP does not induce or minimally induces antibody-mediated clearance in the subject’s blood.

213. The method of any one of claims 1-212, wherein the LNP has a half-life (ti / 2) in blood in vivo of between about 3 hours and 72 hours.

214. The method of any one of claims 1-213, wherein the LNP has a half-life (ti / 2) in blood in vivo of greater than 3 hours.

215. The method of claim 214, wherein the LNP has a half-life (ti / 2) in blood in vivo of greater than 4 hours.

216. The method of any one of claims 1-215, wherein the LNP has a half-life (ti / 2) in blood in vivo of greater than 3 hours, 4, hours, 5 hours, 6, hours, 8, hours, 10 hours, 12 hours, 14 hours, 15 hours, 16 hours, 18 hours, 20 hours, 22 hours, 24 hours, 25 hours, 26 hours, 28 hours, 30 hours, 32 hours, 34 hours, 35 hours, 36 hours, 38 hours, 40 hours, 42 hours, 44 hours, 45 hours, 46 hours, 48 hours, 50 hours, 52 hours, 54 hours, 55 hours, 56 hours, 58 hours, 60 hours, 62 hours, 64 hours, 65 hours, 66 hours, 68 hours, 70 hours, or 72 hours.

217. The method of any one of claims 1-216, wherein the LNP has an in vivo half-life (ti / 2) that is prolonged in the subject’s blood as compared to the in vivo half-life of an LNP that is not conjugated to PG or a PG derivative.

218. The method of any one of claims 1-217, wherein the in vivo half-life of the LNP is increased by at least a factor of about two or more as compared to the in vivo half-life of an LNP that is not conjugated to PG or a PG derivative.

219. The method of any one of claims 1-218, wherein the in vivo half-life of the LNP is increased by at least a factor of about three or more as compared to the in vivo half-life of an LNP that is not conjugated to PG or a PG derivative.

220. The method of any one of claims 1-219, wherein the LNP and / or the TNA persists in the subject’s blood at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72 or more hours after the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, or subsequent dose.

221. The method of any one of claims 1 -220, wherein each dose is separated by a time period of at least about 6 hours, at least about 1 day, at least about 7 days, at least about 2 weeks, at least about 4 weeks, at least about 1 month, at least about 2 months, at least about 4 months, at least about 6 months, at least about 1 year, at least about 2 years, at least about 5 years, or at least about 10 years.

222. The method of any one of claims 1-221, wherein each dose is separated by a time period of about 6-24 hours, about 1-500 days, about 1-100 weeks, about 1-24 months, or about 1-10 years.

223. The method of any one of claims 1-222, wherein each dose is separated by a time period of about 7 days.

224. The method of any one of claims 1-223, wherein each dose is administered on a periodic schedule.

225. The method of any one of claims 1-223, wherein each dose is administered on a variable schedule.

226. The method of any one of claims 1-225, wherein each dose is about 0.01-10.0 mg / kg.

227. The method of any one of claims 1-226, wherein each dose is at least 0.01 mg / kg, at least 0.05 mg / kg, at least 0.1 mg / kg, at least 0.5 mg / kg, at least 1.0 mg / kg, at least 1.5 mg / kg, at least 2.0 mg / kg, at least 2.5 mg / kg, at least 3.0 mg / kg, at least 4.0 mg / k, or at least 5.0 mg / kg.

228. The method of any one of claims 1-227, wherein each dose is about 0. 1 mg / kg.

229. The method of any one of claims 1-227, wherein each dose is about 0.25 mg / kg.

230. The method of any one of claims 1-227, wherein each dose is about 0.5 mg / kg.

231. The method of any one of claims 1-227, wherein each dose is about 1.0 mg / kg.

232. The method of any one of claims 1-227, wherein each dose is about 1.5 mg / kg.

233. The method of any one of claims 1-227, wherein each dose is about 2.0 mg / kg.

234. The method of any one of claims 1-227, wherein each dose is about 2.5 mg / kg.

235. The method of any one of claims 1-227 wherein each dose is about 3.0 mg / kg.

236. The method of any one of claims 1-227, wherein each dose is about 4.0 mg / kg.

237. The method of any one of claims 1-227, wherein each dose is about 5.0 mg / kg.

238. The method of any one of claims 1-237, wherein each dose comprises the same amount of the LNP.

239. The method of any one of claims 1-237, wherein each dose comprises a different amount of the LNP.

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