New technology to communicate with and modulate the human immune system
Official title: SMART NANPs: new molecular platform for communication with human immune system and modulation of therapeutic responses
Funded at University of North Carolina Charlotte · NIH-11001462 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new type of treatment called SMART NANPs that works with your immune system to help fight specific diseases, aiming to make therapies more effective and with fewer side effects, so you can have more personalized care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Carolina Charlotte NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlotte, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2021 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $345,545 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM139587-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001462 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with various cancers or cardiovascular diseases who may benefit from innovative treatment approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not involve immune modulation or cellular reprogramming may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel platform called SMART NANPs, which are designed to interact with the human immune system and improve therapeutic responses. By utilizing biocompatible and biodegradable nucleic acid nanoparticles, the project aims to create treatments that can be tailored to recognize and respond to specific diseases. The approach involves programming these nanoparticles to control cellular processes, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of therapies while minimizing side effects. Patients may benefit from more personalized and effective treatment options as a result of this innovative technology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to advanced therapies that better target diseases and improve patient outcomes with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of using nucleic acid nanoparticles is gaining traction, this specific approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of North Carolina Charlotte
Charlotte, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Afonin, Kirill a — University of North Carolina Charlotte
- Study coordinator: Afonin, Kirill a
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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.