Engineered metabolite nanoparticles to modulate macrophages in obesity
Official title: Engineered metabolite-based nanoparticles for immunomodulation of macrophages to treat obesity
Funded at University of Cincinnati · NIH-11440598 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to use specially designed nanoparticles to rebalance inflammation in fat tissue and improve health in people with obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $2,889,213 |
| NIH project number | 7R01DK144500-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11440598 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with obesity who could benefit from improved metabolic health and reduced inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without obesity or those whose obesity is not primarily driven by inflammatory processes may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This study develops a nanoparticle-based immunotherapy aimed at shifting fat tissue macrophages from a pro-inflammatory state to an anti-inflammatory one, with the goal of reducing chronic inflammation and improving metabolic health in obesity. Researchers will design and test metabolite-based nanoparticles that interact with immune cells in adipose tissue to promote a healthier immune balance. The project spans preclinical work and potential translational steps to move toward human studies if results are promising.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lessen inflammation and improve metabolic outcomes in obesity, potentially reducing related diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical nanoparticle immunotherapies have shown promise in modulating macrophage behavior in metabolic tissues, supporting further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hassani Najafabadi, Alireza — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Hassani Najafabadi, Alireza
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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.