Hybrid biomaterial system to boost immunotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis
Official title: Development of a hybrid biomaterial system for immunotherapy of rheumatoid arthritis
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11552872 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, patient-facing immunotherapy approach uses specialized particles to retrain the immune system to calm RA in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $607,599 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI194570-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11552872 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with rheumatoid arthritis who are eligible for future immunotherapy studies may benefit if the approach advances to human trials.
✕Less likely to help
People whose RA does not respond to this line of treatment or who cannot participate in immunotherapy trials might not experience direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a hybrid material that combines polymeric particles and lipid nanoparticles to target dendritic cells in joints and guide the immune response toward tolerance. The approach delivers RA-related antigens along with a tolerizing drug to reduce harmful inflammation. Researchers will test this system using preclinical models and explore how it could eventually translate to patient care, with a focus on safety and effectiveness in reducing joint damage and symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new way to control RA by modulating the immune system at its source.
How similar studies have gone: Early animal studies showed promising reductions in arthritis symptoms with similar immunotherapy platforms, but human data are needed.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lewis, Jamal S — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Lewis, Jamal S
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Using microparticles to improve immunotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis
This study is exploring a new way to help people with rheumatoid arthritis by using tiny particles to change how the immune system works, aiming to reduce inflammation and protect joints from damage.
-
Gut microbes and methotrexate: boosting RA treatment through microbiome targets
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Role of Stabilin receptors in rheumatoid arthritis
A short study to understand how certain scavenger receptors may influence the development and progression of rheumatoid arthritis in adults.
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This project looks at how rheumatoid arthritis affects blood vessels and clotting, with the goal of uncovering new ways to prevent heart and stroke risk for people with RA.
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Risk factors and biomarkers for progression of subclinical RA-related lung disease
This study follows people with rheumatoid arthritis to understand who develops lung disease and what biomarkers predict it.
-
Pregnancy changes in rheumatoid arthritis and new treatment ideas
This research seeks to understand why some women’s rheumatoid arthritis improves during pregnancy and how to predict and mimic that effect to make treatments safer and more effective for pregnant patients.
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.