Targeted Nanoparticle Therapy for Brain Repair: Harnessing Memory T Cells for Endogenous Neuroregeneration and Neuroimmune Homeostasis
This technology comprises functionalized, BBB-crossing nanoparticles designed to selectively engage and reprogram CD4 central memory TCM cells within the central nervous system. By stimulating these cells to adopt a neuroprotective phenotype, the platform restores neuroimmune homeostasis and promotes tissue repair without the risks of broad systemic immunosuppression.
Description
The invention is a first-in-class therapeutic platform that utilizes engineered nanoparticles to directly modulate the immune environment from within the CNS. These nanoparticles are formulated from biocompatible and biodegradable polymers, such as PLGA-PEG, and are functionalized with targeting ligands like holotransferrin to facilitate receptor-mediated uptake across the blood-brain barrier. Once across, they selectively deliver immunomodulatory cargo, such as IL-7, cytokines, or agonistic peptides—to TCM cells located in the brain parenchyma, cerebrospinal fluid, and skull bone marrow. The core innovation lies in the "reprogramming" of resident TCM cells in situ. Rather than inhibiting the immune system, the nanoparticles activate the TCM reparative secretome, which releases anti-inflammatory cytokines and neuroprotective factors. This process shifts the local environment toward a neuroprotective state, reducing neuroinflammation while simultaneously enhancing neuronal survival and supporting endogenous repair mechanisms.Applications
- Neurodegenerative Disease Therapeutics: Targeted treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment.- Acute Neurological Recovery: Applications in promoting tissue repair following stroke or other acute neurovascular complications.
- Autoimmune CNS Disorders: Management of chronic neuroinflammation in diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis.
- Neuroinflammatory Management: Treatment for metabolic or toxic encephalopathies and chronic conditions like migraines.
- Specialized Drug Delivery: A platform for pharmaceutical companies seeking efficient, targeted delivery of biologics across the blood-brain barrier.
Advantages
- Precision Targeting: Selectively engages TCM cells within specific CNS compartments, including the brain parenchyma and skull bone marrow.- Maintains Immune Competence: Modulates the local immune environment without inducing broad systemic or local immunosuppression.
- Enhanced BBB Permeability: Utilizes transferrin-functionalized surface chemistry to effectively cross the blood-brain barrier.
- Dual-Action Therapy: Simultaneously dampens pathological neuroinflammation and actively promotes neuroregeneration and tissue recovery.
- Versatile Delivery Platform: Supports stable encapsulation of diverse therapeutic cargos, including small molecules, proteins, and nucleic acids.