Nanoparticles that mimic dying cells to teach the immune system tolerance to food allergens
NPs disguised as apoptotic debris for immune tolerance
Researchers are developing nanoparticles that look like apoptotic cell debris to retrain the immune system so people with food allergies have fewer or no allergic reactions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294687 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project creates off-the-shelf nanoparticles loaded with specific food allergens and coated to resemble apoptotic cell debris so immune cells treat the allergen as harmless. The nanoparticles are given intravenously and are designed to target antigen-presenting cells in the spleen and liver, shifting them toward tolerance-promoting behavior. The team builds on prior nanoparticle work that completed a Phase 2a trial for other immune diseases to improve potency and safety. If it works, the platform could be adapted to different food allergens while preserving normal protective immune responses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with confirmed IgE-mediated food allergies (for example peanut allergy) who can travel to a study center for intravenous treatment and follow-up visits.
Not a fit: People with non-allergic food intolerances, allergies not driven by the specific antigen used, or those who are severely immunocompromised may not benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could reduce or eliminate allergic reactions to targeted foods and lessen the need for strict avoidance or chronic anti-IgE therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Similar nanoparticle therapies have completed a Phase 2a trial in celiac disease and primary biliary cholangitis showing early clinical promise, while using this precise approach for food allergy is a novel application.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shea, Lonnie D — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Shea, Lonnie D
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.