Developing personalized therapies to enhance immune responses at mucosal surfaces

Multiscale considerations for immune engineering at mucosal interfaces

NIH-funded research University of Delaware · NIH-11138575

This study is looking at new ways to help your immune system work better at the surfaces of your body, like in your lungs and gut, by using special particles that send helpful signals to your immune cells, making it easier for your body to fight off germs and stay healthy.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Delaware NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11138575 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating personalized immunomodulatory therapies that target mucosal surfaces, which are critical barriers in the body such as those in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. The approach involves using engineered particles to interact with immune cells at these mucosal interfaces, providing specific chemical signals to enhance immune responses. The goal is to overcome challenges in delivering these therapies effectively to the mucosal environment, which has unique properties that differ from other parts of the body. By addressing these challenges, the research aims to improve the body's ability to manage both beneficial and harmful microorganisms.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with conditions affecting the respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts, or those with immune system disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to mucosal immunity or those who do not have access to the research facilities may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for infections and immune-related conditions by enhancing the body's natural defenses at mucosal surfaces.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been significant progress in particle-based immune engineering, this specific focus on mucosal interfaces represents a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Newark, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.