Project R-15852

Modular cell-derived nanoparticles as a targeted approach for ischemic stroke (Research)

Ischemic stroke is still standing as the leading cause of death worldwide. It is a complex disease in which different cell types (neurons, immune cells and endothelial cells) play a crucial role in disease and recovery. As the available treatments are only beneficial for a small subset of patients, new therapeutic strategies are highly needed. Cell-based nanoparticles (CNPs) have shown promising preclinical results but their use is hampered by their complex composition and lack of tunability. Previously, I have discovered that CNP's from dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) have immunomodulatory and angiogenic capacities, making them a suitable therapeutic nanoparticle for ischemic stroke. In this project, I will introduce an innovative modular "lego-like" system which will enable precise and flexible tuning of membrane functionality. As a proof of concept, I will use that system to improve the targetability of the DPSC-CNP's towards endothelial cells and neurons. This approach will be first fine-tuned by interaction studies at molecular and cellular levels, before testing in an advanced vascularized brain organoid model. Finally, the biodistribution and efficacy will be validated in a mouse model of stroke. This project will not only pave the way for developing targeted CNPs as a treatment for stroke but also introduces an innovative, tunable, modular system that extends the applicability of CNPs to a wide range of other diseases.

01 November 2025 - 31 October 2026