Nanoparticle therapy that reprograms immune cells to treat lung infections
Macrophage-targeting Nanoplatforms as Immunotherapy against Pulmonary Infections
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · NIH-11235172
This project explores tiny particle-delivered RNA that aims to change lung immune cells (macrophages) so they calm harmful inflammation while still helping people with bacterial, fungal, or viral pneumonia clear infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11235172 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Scientists are building nanoparticles that carry protective RNA into macrophages in the lung to shift their behavior away from damaging inflammation. The particles are designed to survive in the body, get taken up efficiently by macrophages, and target infected lung tissue using special peptides. The team will test these nanoplatforms across different kinds of pneumonia (bacterial, fungal, and viral) in laboratory and preclinical models to see whether inflammation is reduced while infection clearance is preserved. Findings will guide whether this approach could move toward clinical testing in patients with severe lung infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with serious or hard-to-treat bacterial, fungal, or viral pneumonia who are experiencing strong, damaging lung inflammation would be the most likely candidates for future trials.
Not a fit: People with mild, uncomplicated pneumonia, infections not driven by macrophage inflammation, or conditions where RNA/nanoparticle therapies are contraindicated may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lower dangerous lung inflammation without weakening infection control, possibly leading to new treatments for severe pneumonia.
How similar studies have performed: Related macrophage-targeting nanoparticles have shown promise for bacterial infections in lab and early-development work, but using this strategy for fungal and viral lung infections is newer and less proven.
Where this research is happening
LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO — LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SAILOR, MICHAEL J — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- Study coordinator: SAILOR, MICHAEL J
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 below.
Conditions: Bacterial Infections