Portable synthetic human chromosome to program cells for autoimmune care
A portable synthetic human artificial chromosome for therapeutic development
This work aims to build a tiny artificial human chromosome that lets cells detect inflammation and produce helpful proteins for people with relapsing autoimmune conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11239776 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would hear about lab work that creates small synthetic human chromosomes designed to carry multiple therapeutic genes into human cells. Researchers will assemble these chromosomes in yeast and deliver them to human cells in the lab to test stable, controlled expression and avoid unwanted recombination. They will program the chromosomes so cells can sense inflammation and turn on several therapeutic proteins as needed. The goal is to develop tools for future cell-based diagnostics and treatments for autoimmune flare-ups.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with relapsing-remitting autoimmune diseases (for example, relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis or autoimmune inflammatory conditions) who are interested in future cell-based therapeutic approaches.
Not a fit: This is early lab-stage work, so patients needing immediate or approved treatments or those without autoimmune disease are unlikely to benefit directly right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable cell therapies that sense disease activity and release treatments locally, potentially reducing side effects and improving control of relapsing autoimmune disease.
How similar studies have performed: This approach is relatively novel with promising lab-stage demonstrations but limited prior clinical success to date.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Harvard Medical School — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Silver, Pamela a — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Silver, Pamela a
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.