AI-driven discovery and engineering of human endogenous nanocage proteins for mRNA delivery

Xun, D.; Li, L.; Liu, Y.; Yang, Z.; Zou, J.; Liang, Q.; Li, K.; Zhu, Z.; Zhang, J.; Lang, L.; Liu, K.; Wang, X.; Tian, M.; Chen, G.; An, B.; Heng, P.-A.; Zhong, C.

doi:10.64898/2026.02.07.704552

bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.02.07.704552

AI-driven discovery and engineering of human endogenous nanocage proteins for mRNA delivery

Xun, D.·Li, L.·Liu, Y.·Yang, Z.·Zou, J.·Liang, Q.·Li, K.·Zhu, Z.·Zhang, J.·Lang, L.·Liu, K.·Wang, X.·Tian, M.·Chen, G.·An, B.·Heng, P.-A.·Zhong, C.

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Abstract

Safe and effective gene delivery remains a central challenge for therapeutic applications. While non-viral and viral vectors have enabled substantial progress, their reliance on non-human components often triggers immune responses, limiting their use in chronic treatments. Here, we developed DeepDelivery, an artificial intelligence-driven platform to repurpose human proteins for mRNA delivery. An unbiased screening of the human proteome nominated 512 candidates, with experimental validation confirming that 80% of top-ranked hits form mRNA-encapsulating particles and mediate efficient functional delivery in human cells without provoking detectable inflammation. Notably, multiple tripartite motif (TRIM) family proteins, typically linked to antiviral responses, exhibited strong assembly and delivery activity. Quantitative analysis and interpretation of the model revealed structural domains that govern nanocage formation, enabling domain-guided engineering of TRIM25 variants with enhanced function. Our work establishes a generalizable framework for discovering human-derived delivery vehicles and provides a path toward programmable, non-immunogenic mRNA therapeutics.

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Xun, D., Li, L., Liu, Y., Yang, Z., Zou, J., Liang, Q., Li, K., Zhu, Z., Zhang, J., Lang, L., Liu, K., Wang, X., Tian, M., Chen, G., An, B., Heng, P.-A., Zhong, C.. 2026-02-09. AI-driven discovery and engineering of human endogenous nanocage proteins for mRNA delivery. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.02.07.704552

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