Targeted antibody-guided nanoparticles to treat CMV infection
Official title: Monoclonal Antibody-Conjugated Nanoparticles for Precision CMV Antiviral Deliver
Funded at University of Notre Dame · NIH-11439626 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new treatment approach combines CMV-targeting antibodies with drug-loaded nanoparticles to deliver antiviral medicine directly to infected cells, aiming to improve efficacy and reduce side effects for people with CMV infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Notre Dame NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Notre Dame, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $237,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI203022-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11439626 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with CMV infection or at high risk for CMV complications, especially immunocompromised individuals and neonates at risk of CMV-related disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without CMV infection or without included risk factors may not benefit from this targeted therapy.
What this research studies
This project tests a dual-function therapy that links virus-specific antibodies to nanoparticles carrying an antiviral drug. The goal is to steer the medicine straight to CMV-infected cells, potentially cutting toxicity and overcoming drug resistance. Researchers will define key antibody epitopes and optimize the delivery system in preclinical models to show targeted antiviral effects. If successful, this approach could offer a more precise treatment option for immunocompromised patients and others affected by CMV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more effective CMV treatment with fewer systemic side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows potential in using targeted antibody delivery systems to improve antiviral delivery, though this exact platform is novel.
Where this research is happening
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University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perez Romero, Pilar — University of Notre Dame
- Study coordinator: Perez Romero, Pilar
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.