Biodegradable microparticles that help the immune system tolerate autoimmune diseases
Official title: Biodegradable polymeric microparticles comprised of acetalated dextran induce immune tolerance
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11027894 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new treatment made from biodegradable particles that can help people with autoimmune diseases, like multiple sclerosis, by encouraging the body to calm down its immune response and reduce symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | November 15, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $501,011 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI187725-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11027894 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autoimmune diseases, particularly those experiencing symptoms related to conditions like multiple sclerosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-autoimmune conditions or those who do not have a response to B cell-targeted therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of biodegradable microparticles made from acetalated dextran to promote immune tolerance in patients with autoimmune diseases. The microparticles are designed to specifically bind to B cells, triggering the production of a cytokine called IL-10, which helps to reduce the immune response against the body's own tissues. By using a unique spray drying technique, these microparticles have shown promising results in animal models, particularly in reducing symptoms of multiple sclerosis. The goal is to develop a targeted therapy that avoids the broad immunosuppression typically used in treating autoimmune conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new treatment option that specifically targets autoimmune diseases without the side effects of general immunosuppression.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using biodegradable microparticles for immune tolerance is innovative, similar strategies have shown promise in preclinical models, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ainslie, Kristy M — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Ainslie, Kristy M
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.