Using mRNA nanoparticles to help the immune system treat Type 1 diabetes
Official title: Tolerance-Inducing mRNA Nanoparticles to Treat Type 1 Diabetes
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10908728 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new treatment for Type 1 diabetes that uses tiny particles to help your immune system learn how to protect insulin-producing cells in your pancreas, which could help keep your diabetes from getting worse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 16, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $196,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R56DK137420-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908728 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, particularly those in the early stages of the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Type 2 diabetes or those who have advanced Type 1 diabetes with significant complications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new therapy for Type 1 diabetes (T1D) by using mRNA nanoparticles to modify the immune system. The approach involves genetically engineering antigen-presenting cells in the liver to present specific autoantigens associated with T1D, which may help the body develop protective regulatory T cells. By creating biodegradable nanoparticles, the researchers aim to safely program these immune cells in vivo, potentially preventing the progression of the disease and protecting insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a transformative therapy that prevents or slows the progression of Type 1 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using mRNA nanoparticles for immune modulation is relatively novel, similar strategies in other autoimmune diseases have shown promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Green, Jordan — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Green, Jordan
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Understanding how hypoglycemia awareness changes in adults with type 1 diabetes and how automated insulin delivery and exercise might help restore it
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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.