Nanoparticles that calm harmful inflammation after spinal cord injury
Harnessing engineered drug-free polymeric nanoformulations to reprogram innate immune cells for spinal trauma
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY · NIH-11290375
This project tries to use drug-free polymer nanoparticles given into the bloodstream after a spinal cord injury to change innate immune cells so they cause less inflammation and support healing.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LEXINGTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11290375 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you have a recent spinal cord injury, researchers will give specially engineered, drug-free polymer nanoparticles into the bloodstream to target innate immune cells before they reach the injury. The nanoparticles are designed to change immune cell trafficking and inflammatory behavior to limit secondary tissue damage and support nerve preservation. The team will test different nanoparticle designs and study sex-dependent effects, mainly using laboratory and animal models that relate to human spinal cord injury. Success will be measured by reduced inflammation, better tissue preservation, and signs of improved nerve regeneration in those models.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with a recent (acute) spinal cord injury who can receive IV treatment soon after their trauma and be followed by the research team.
Not a fit: People with long-standing (chronic) spinal cord injuries, non-spinal injuries, or those unable to receive timely IV treatment are unlikely to benefit from this acute-focused approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce secondary inflammation after spinal cord injury and improve tissue preservation and recovery.
How similar studies have performed: Similar nanoparticle-based immune-modulation approaches have shown promise in preclinical animal studies but have not yet been proven safe and effective in humans.
Where this research is happening
LEXINGTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY — LEXINGTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PARK, JONGHYUCK — UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
- Study coordinator: PARK, JONGHYUCK
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.