Using engineered exosomes to target and inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication
Official title: Development of MMP14-laden exosomes as a novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapy
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-10757756 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for COVID-19 that uses tiny particles called exosomes to help stop the virus from spreading in the body, and it could help patients recover faster if it works well.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $239,850 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI168744-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10757756 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 or those at high risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with SARS-CoV-2 or those with other unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new therapy to combat SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, by utilizing exosomes that carry a modified form of the enzyme MMP14. These exosomes are designed to specifically target and inhibit a key viral protease essential for the virus's replication. By enhancing the specificity of MMP14, the researchers aim to reduce the virus's ability to multiply and spread. Patients may benefit from this innovative approach if it proves effective in reducing viral loads and improving recovery outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a novel antiviral therapy that effectively reduces SARS-CoV-2 replication and improves patient recovery.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using engineered exosomes is innovative, similar strategies targeting viral proteases have shown promise in other antiviral research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Kyuyeon — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Han, Kyuyeon
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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.