Using engineered vesicles to improve tissue repair and reduce inflammation
Official title: Endogenous Protease Mediated Delivery of Engineered Immunomodulatory Extracellular Vesicles
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11105767 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with chronic inflammation, like those with diabetes, by using tiny particles from stem cells that can help calm down inflammation and support healing in the mouth and face.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $54,774 |
| NIH project number | 5F30DE033904-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11105767 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic inflammatory conditions, particularly those affecting bone and craniofacial tissues, such as diabetes-related complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without chronic inflammatory conditions or those not experiencing issues related to bone or craniofacial tissue repair may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing engineered extracellular vesicles that can modulate the immune response and promote tissue repair, particularly in patients with chronic inflammation due to conditions like diabetes. The approach involves utilizing mesenchymal stem cell-derived vesicles that carry specific microRNAs to target and suppress inflammatory pathways, such as the NLRP3 inflammasome. By understanding how these vesicles can enhance healing in craniofacial and bone tissues, the research aims to create effective therapeutic tools for improving patient outcomes in dental and craniofacial health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve healing and reduce inflammation in patients with chronic conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using extracellular vesicles for tissue regeneration, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leung, Kasey — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Leung, Kasey
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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.