Field:
Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as dendritic cells and macrophages orchestrate adaptive immunity by processing and presenting antigens to T cells. Developing delivery systems that can specifically target APCs is a rapidly advancing field, as it enables precise control of immune activation for vaccines, immunotherapy, and gene-based therapeutics.
Our Approach:
Our lab engineers non-lipid, carbohydrate-based nanoparticle systems with intrinsic tropism toward APCs. These vectors are optimized to encapsulate and deliver diverse payloads, including mRNA, siRNA, and small-molecule immune adjuvants, directly into APCs. By combining selective targeting with immune stimulatory design, we aim to overcome the limitations of conventional lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), such as off-target toxicity and limited immune activation.
Representative Works:
Development of fluorinated ribonucleocarbohydrate nanoparticles (RNCs) for ultra-efficient mRNA delivery to tumor-associated myeloid cells
(JACS 2025).
Demonstration that APC-targeted adjuvant cocktails (MyTai) enhance cancer immunotherapy (ACS nano 2025).
Establishment of a non-lipid nucleic acid delivery vector with dendritic cell tropism and stimulation
(Theranostics 2024).
iRNC nanoparticles enabling potent brain tumor vaccine responses
(2026).