Using immune cells' release of Cryptococcus to help deliver medicines to the brain
Leveraging Engineering Approaches to understand Cryptococcal Vomocytosis from Immune Cells
This project tests whether engineered particles can hitch a ride inside immune cells and be released to deliver medicines, including to the brain, for people facing fungal or hard-to-reach infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11257354 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The research team designs tiny biomaterial particles that mimic fungal cells so they are engulfed by phagocytic immune cells like macrophages and dendritic cells. In the lab they study vomocytosis—the non‑destructive release of engulfed particles from immune cells—and how engineering the particles might control that release. Experiments use engineered microparticles, immune cells, and molecular measurements of reactive oxygen and phagosomal conditions to understand when and how release happens. The ultimate aim is to program immune cells to carry drugs or vaccines to guarded sites such as lymph nodes and the brain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by or at high risk for cryptococcal or other central nervous system infections, or those willing to donate samples for translational research, would be the most directly relevant participants.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to benefit because this is preclinical, laboratory-focused work rather than a treatment trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could allow immune cells to deliver drugs or vaccines directly to the brain and lymph nodes, improving treatment for fungal infections and other conditions that are hard to reach with standard delivery.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies have shown immune cells can carry and release particles, but using engineered vomocytosis for directed drug delivery—especially to the brain—is a novel approach with limited prior human evidence.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lewis, Jamal S — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Lewis, Jamal S
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.