Nanoparticles that reprogram immune cells in glioblastoma

Macrophage-targeted lncRNA-regulating nanoparticles for glioblastoma treatment

['FUNDING_R01'] · EMORY UNIVERSITY · NIH-11179378

This project tests nanoparticles that block harmful long RNAs in tumor immune cells to help people with glioblastoma.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorEMORY UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ATLANTA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11179378 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

If I have glioblastoma, researchers will examine RNA in immune cells taken from my tumor and blood to find long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that help the tumor hide from the immune system. They will use deep RNA sequencing of CD14+ cells sorted from fresh tumor tissue and compare these to blood samples to pick promising lncRNA targets. The team will design nanoparticles that deliver molecules to macrophages in the tumor to block those lncRNAs and then test the approach in laboratory and preclinical models. The goal is to show that targeting these lncRNAs can reduce immune suppression driven by tumor-associated macrophages.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with glioblastoma who can provide fresh tumor tissue at surgery or give blood samples for research.

Not a fit: People without glioblastoma, those unable to provide tumor tissue or blood samples, or patients seeking immediate clinical treatment benefits are unlikely to gain from this preclinical research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new immune-based therapies that reduce tumor-driven immune suppression and slow glioblastoma progression.

How similar studies have performed: Related lab and animal studies of nanoparticle delivery and lncRNA targeting have shown promise, but these approaches are still novel and unproven in people.

Where this research is happening

ATLANTA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.