Using cell-derived nanoparticles to find and treat nerve inflammation
Extracellular vesicles as nanotheranostic platform in neuroinflammation
Researchers are developing and tracking tiny vesicles made from medicinal stem cells to deliver and image treatments for nerve inflammation in conditions like ALS and MS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11179130 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As a patient, I would understand that the team is making two types of labeled extracellular vesicles (tiny particles released by mesenchymal stem cells) and comparing them to unmodified vesicles. They plan to use MRI and magnetic particle imaging to see where these vesicles travel in the body and how long they persist. The experiments will test therapeutic effects and imaging in mouse models that mimic multiple sclerosis and ALS. This is preclinical work meant to guide future human testing of a cell-free treatment approach.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with neuroinflammatory conditions such as ALS or multiple sclerosis would be the likely candidates for future clinical studies based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients without neuroinflammatory diseases or those seeking immediate, approved treatments are unlikely to benefit now because this is preclinical, animal-based research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to a trackable, cell-free therapy that more safely targets neuroinflammation in ALS and MS and helps doctors see where treatment goes in the body.
How similar studies have performed: Related clinical trials using whole mesenchymal stem cells have shown safety signals and some clinical interest, but using and imaging extracellular vesicles is a newer, still-emerging approach.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bulte, Jeff W. — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Bulte, Jeff W.
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.