BioE Seminar: Engineering Self-Assembled Nanobiomaterials for Therapeutic Immunomodulation

Abstract: Self-assembled nanobiomaterials that are engineered to achieve specific biodistributions and mechanisms of degradation hold great promise for controlled stimulation of the immune system. Through the use of such rationally designed nanomaterials, we aim to investigate the basic inflammatory and immunological processes contributing to diverse pathologies and develop targeted immunotherapies. We specifically approach this by synthesizing, assembling and testing in vitro and in vivo a range of nanostructures loaded with strategically selected combinations of immunostimulants to achieve controlled elicitation or suppression of the immune system. Here, I will present some of our ongoing work in the areas of nanobiomaterials development, cardiovascular disease, and neonatal immunization.