{"id":"07174","slug":"microparticle-based-regulatory--07174","source":{"id":"07174","dataset":"techtransfer","title":"Microparticle-Based Regulatory T Cell Recruitment for Muscle Regeneration","description_":"<p>This technology utilizes controlled-release microparticle compositions encapsulating CCL22 chemotactic factor to recruit regulatory T cells, thereby modulating immune responses and enhancing repair in acute skeletal muscle injuries.</p><p><h2>Description</h2>The technology is centered on the development of biodegradable microparticles designed for the targeted treatment of acute skeletal muscle injuries through immunomodulation. These microparticles, composed primarily of biocompatible polymers such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), facilitate a controlled release of the chemotactic factor CCL22 over time. CCL22 specifically attracts regulatory T cells (Tregs) to the site of muscle injury. Tregs are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and their role in promoting tissue repair and regeneration. By locally increasing the concentration of Tregs through chemotaxis induced by CCL22 release, the immune environment at the injury site is favorable to reducing excessive inflammation that can impede recovery.\r\n\r\nThe microparticles are engineered to maintain a controlled release profile, as demonstrated by empirical data illustrating sustained delivery of CCL22. Their size distribution is optimized to ensure effective interaction with the local tissue microenvironment while minimizing systemic effects. The method involves administration of these microparticles directly to the injured muscle tissue, where the gradual release of CCL22 recruits Tregs, ameliorates inflammation, and supports the natural regenerative processes of skeletal muscle fibers.</p><p><h2>Applications</h2>- Treatment of acute skeletal muscle injuries including strains, contusions, and tears.\r<br>- Post-surgical muscle repair enhancement where inflammation control is critical.\r<br>- Therapeutic intervention in sports medicine to accelerate recovery times for athletes.\r<br>- Adjunctive therapy in chronic muscle degenerative conditions characterized by impaired healing.\r<br>- Possible adaptation for immune modulation in other tissue repair contexts where Treg recruitment could be beneficial.</p><p><h2>Advantages</h2>- Targeted Immune Modulation: By specifically recruiting Tregs to the injury site, the technology leverages the body’s natural anti-inflammatory pathways to promote healing, reducing reliance on systemic immunosuppressive drugs.\r<br>- Controlled Release Delivery: The use of PLGA and PEG microparticles allows for a sustained and localized delivery of CCL22, optimizing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing off-target effects.\r<br>- Biocompatibility and Biodegradability: The polymers used degrade safely within the body, removing the need for surgical removal and reducing potential complications.\r<br>- Enhanced Muscle Regeneration: Experimental data support the capacity of this approach to improve regeneration outcomes compared to standard care, by modulating immune cell populations linked to muscle repair.\r<br>- Versatility: The platform can be adapted by modifying the chemotactic agent or polymer composition to target different immune cell types or tissue types, demonstrating broad applicability.</p><p><h2>Invention Readiness</h2>The technology has completed rigorous proof-of-concept testing in animal models, specifically demonstrating successful Treg recruitment and functional muscle recovery in mouse models of toxin-induced muscle injury. Quantitative data generated includes significant increases in Foxp3+ cell counts, reduced injury area via histology, and improved \"Max Hang\" strength tests. Further studies are needed to evaluate the system's performance in larger animal models and to optimize microparticle formulations for human-scale dosing and long-term safety profiles.</p><p><h2>IP Status</h2>Patent Pending</p><p></p>","tags":["Regenerative medicine","Sports medicine","Tissue engineering"],"file_number":"07174","collections":[{"key":513,"name":"Cell & Gene Therapy"},{"key":516,"name":"Regenerative Medicine"}],"meta_description":"Microparticle-delivered CCL22 recruits regulatory T cells to injured muscle, modulating immunity and enhancing regeneration.","image_url":"","apriori_judge_output":"{\"scores\":{\"novelty\":3.0,\"potential_impact\":3.0,\"readiness\":3.0,\"scalability\":2.0,\"timeliness\":3.0},\"weighted_score\":2.85,\"risks\":[\"Readiness: TRL 4 with pre-clinical data; regulatory path to human trials not established\",\"Scalability: manufacturing of PLGA/PEG microparticles and localized delivery at scale may be challenging\",\"Timeliness: May 2025 date may imply near-term relevance but requires extensive in vivo validation and safety profiling\"],\"one_sentence_take\":\"Moderate novelty with clear therapeutic concept, but moderate impact and scalability; readiness is mid-trajectory with regulatory and manufacturing hurdles anticipated.\"}","lead_inventor_name":"Matthew Borrelli","lead_inventor_dept":"Chem/Petroleum Engineering","technology_type":"Therapeutic Modality","technology_subtype":"Cell Therapy - T Cell","therapeutic_areas":["Musculoskeletal"],"therapeutic_indications":[],"custom_tags":[],"all_tech_innovators":["Matthew Andrew Borrelli","Steven R. Little","Heth Turnquist","Jordan John Peter Warunek"],"date_submitted":"2025-05-05","technology_readiness_level":"4. Pre-clinical development"},"highlight":{},"matched_queries":null,"score":0.0}