In order to harness the unique properties of nanoparticles for novel clinical applications in the treatment of allergic respiratory diseases, we propose to develop and test specifically designed nanoparticles in order to investigate their immune-modulatory effects in the lung.
Background
Despite intense research, rates of allergy and allergy-induced asthma continue to rise in most industrialised nations and in emerging countries. Nanoparticles synthesised by nanotechnology may have many different shapes and chemical compositions, which may result in either immuno-stimulatory or immuno-suppressive effects. Therefore the properties of a therapeutic nanoparticle can be specifically designed for a particular clinical diagnostic or therapeutic application.
Aim
We propose to develop and utilise specifically designed nanoparticles in order to investigate their immune-modulatory effects in the lung with various experimental approaches:
(I) In vitro systems of the human lung to evaluate the interaction of nanoparticles with key players of the cellular immune system such as, for example, macrophages (innate immunity) and dendritic cells (adaptive immunity), as well as potentially associated immune-modulatory effects and nano-immunotoxicity.
(II) In vivo assays (i.e. allergic respiratory disease models) to evaluate the immune-modulatory potential of nanoparticles and adverse nano-immunotoxic effects.
Significance
With the proposed project, we aim to develop and characterise specifically designed nanoparticles for immune-modulation of diseases of the immune system such as asthma. Through our established knowledge in risk assessments of nanoparticles in the respiratory tract, the underlying project not only aims to develop novel therapeutic applications, but also to provide clarification of the possible associated risks of biomedical nanoparticles, such as nano-immunotoxicity.
In a broader perspective, this multi-disciplinary project addresses essential shortcomings in our current understanding of the interaction between nanomaterials and the pulmonary immune system. The lack of data in this area currently fuels a highly emotional public political debate about risks and benefits of nanomaterials. Only a systematic, unbiased and co-operative research approach uniting scientists, biologists, engineers and clinicians will eventually succeed in providing a complete picture of how an organism responds to biomedical nanoparticles.
Original title: Biomedical nanoparticles as immune-modulators
Grant: CHF 454'848.-
Duration: 36 months
Project leader
- Prof. Barbara Rothen-Rutishauser