iPSC-derived EV therapy for dry mouth in Sjögren's syndrome or after head-and-neck radiation
Official title: Therapeutic mechanisms of iPSC-MSC derived extracellular vesicles on dry mouth caused by Sjorgren's syndrome or radiotherapy
Funded at Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr · NIH-11393093 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new treatment using tiny particles shed by lab-made stem cells could help restore saliva in people with Sjögren’s syndrome or after head-and-neck radiation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | August 13, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $640,889 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE032028-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11393093 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with Sjögren’s syndrome or those who have developed dry mouth after head-and-neck radiation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without these conditions or with certain medical contraindications may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at using extracellular vesicles from induced pluripotent stem cell–derived mesenchymal cells (iMSC EVs) to relieve dry mouth. Researchers will study how systemically delivered iMSC EVs affect salivary glands and driving immune and regenerative processes in Sjögren’s syndrome and radiation-induced dry mouth. The work combines laboratory studies and animal models to uncover how these EVs work and how best to deliver them safely. If successful, this could lead to a scalable, standardized therapy that avoids some risks of using whole cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience longer-lasting relief from dry mouth and improved quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies have shown similar iMSC EVs can reduce autoimmune and regenerative issues in dry mouth models, supporting potential benefit.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Fei — Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
- Study coordinator: Liu, Fei
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
A computer program helps plan radiation therapy for cervical and head-and-neck cancer patients to make treatments faster and more accurate.
-
AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
A United Kingdom study is testing AI software that helps plan radiotherapy for cervical and head-and-neck cancer patients to save time and reduce the workload for clinicians in low-resource settings.
-
AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
A UK research team is testing an AI-based software to automatically outline cancer areas and plan radiation beams to speed up treatment for cervical and head-and-neck cancers in LMICs.
-
AI-Powered Radiotherapy Planning for Cervical and Head & Neck Cancer
A new AI tool helps plan radiation therapy for cervical and head-and-neck cancers to save time and reduce the need for specialized staff.
-
AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
A UK study from University College London uses AI to plan radiotherapy for cervical and head-and-neck cancers to save time and reduce the need for specialized staff, aiming to help patients in LMICs.
-
AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head & neck cancer
A non-randomized study will test an AI system that helps plan radiotherapy for cervical and head & neck cancers to save time and resources in LMICs.
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.