F10T5 is a tetrahedral tetrahydrofuran (THF)-derived lipid nanoparticle (LNP) engineered with four acid-labile acetal tails, designed for efficient mRNA delivery to the central nervous system. This lipid features a mono-THF core conjugated with branched hydrophobic chains that balance lipophilicity (LogD ≈11) and endosomal escape capability. Preclinical studies demonstrated F10T5 LNPs bypass the blood-brain barrier via meningeal lymphatic vessels (MLVs) after subcutaneous neck injection, showing 40-fold higher brain luciferase expression than FDA-approved SM102 LNPs. Cryo-EM revealed spherical nanoparticles (~170 nm diameter) with 91.9% mRNA encapsulation. In Neuro-2a cells, F10T5 exhibited superior cytoplasmic mRNA release through enhanced endosomal membrane disruption, evidenced by diffuse calcein fluorescence. Flow cytometry confirmed neuron-predicted delivery (8.8% GFP+ neurons vs 1.28% with SM102) in mice, with functional validation in Ai14 transgenic models where Cre mRNA-loaded F10T5 induced tdTomato expression in neurons and glial cells. Safety assessments showed normal hepatic/renal biomarkers and no histopathological abnormalities. The THF core and acetal tail design synergistically optimize lymphatic trafficking, brain penetration, and biodegradability, positioning F10T5 as a transformative platform for mRNA-based therapies targeting neurodegenerative diseases.
