Polymer-based mRNA carriers to teach the immune system to tolerate specific antigens
Official title: Polymer-derived biomaterials for mRNA delivery to induce antigen-specific immunetolerance
Funded at Drexel University · NIH-11456187 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to use tiny polymer carriers to deliver genetic messages to immune cells so the body learns to ignore specific allergens or self-antigens without broad immunosuppression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $547,836 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EB037656-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11456187 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with allergies or autoimmune conditions where targeted immune tolerance could be beneficial may be eligible for future studies or related trials.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without hypersensitivity or autoimmune issues similar to those described may not benefit from this specific approach.
What this research studies
This project will explore how specially designed polymer particles can deliver messenger RNA to antigen-presenting cells in order to reprogram them toward tolerating specific antigens. By targeting the right cells and carefully delivering mRNA, the approach seeks to reduce harmful immune reactions while preserving normal immune defense. The work includes developing delivery systems that minimize inflammation and testing whether the induced tolerance is durable. If successful, this could lead to targeted therapies for allergies and autoimmune conditions that require less lifelong treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience fewer allergic reactions or autoimmune flare-ups with treatments that spare overall immune function.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows promise in antigen-specific tolerance, but efficient and safe mRNA delivery to immune cells remains a key challenge and is being actively explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheng, Hao — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Cheng, Hao
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.