Study interactions between nanoparticles and the immune system
In oncology, nanoparticles are widely studied and applied as drug delivery systems. Although poorly characterized and understood, from our own work and the work of others, it is becoming increasingly evident that interactions between nanodrugs and immune cells significantly influence therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, several recent studies also show that specific sets of immune cells can be targeted by nanoparticle ‘fine tuning’. However, nanodrug targeting of immune cells may significantly impact the immune system’s function and therapeutic effects.
In this project we aim to obtain a detailed map of which immune cells take up nanodrugs and how these cells subsequently affect nanodrug targeting to and distribution in tumor tissue. Moreover, we aim to elucidate how this nanodrug uptake may affect immune cell and immune system function as well as therapeutic efficacy. By doing this we will obtain a better understanding of nanoparticle in vivo behavior and may be able to improve the clinical utility of nanomedicine.
Tumors will be grown in mice (153 in total), and throughout the studies we will closely monitor the well being of the mice. Upon appearance of significant discomfort, animals will be sacrificed.
We have done in vitro experiments in order to best design this in vivo work and use the least animals possible. Moreover, if scientific merit is not compromised, we will reduce animal group sizes throughout the project.
In this project we aim to obtain a detailed map of which immune cells take up nanodrugs and how these cells subsequently affect nanodrug targeting to and distribution in tumor tissue. Moreover, we aim to elucidate how this nanodrug uptake may affect immune cell and immune system function as well as therapeutic efficacy. By doing this we will obtain a better understanding of nanoparticle in vivo behavior and may be able to improve the clinical utility of nanomedicine.
Tumors will be grown in mice (153 in total), and throughout the studies we will closely monitor the well being of the mice. Upon appearance of significant discomfort, animals will be sacrificed.
We have done in vitro experiments in order to best design this in vivo work and use the least animals possible. Moreover, if scientific merit is not compromised, we will reduce animal group sizes throughout the project.