Nanomedicine and Nanoscale Delivery (Focus Group - NND)
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) arises from an imbalance between M1 and M2 macrophages and persistent lung damage due to excess extracellular matrix in the alveoli. TLR7 agonist-encapsulated liposomes reprogram M2 macrophages to M1, restoring immune balance and reducing fibrosis. siRNA in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) silences TGF-β, a key pro-fibrotic cytokine, inhibiting fibrosis while preserving M2 anti-inflammatory function. This study integrates macrophage reprogramming with cytokine inhibition to enhance IPF treatment, with in vivo validation planned.
Byung Jun Lee, M.S students (he/him/his)
Graduate researcher
School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Republic of Korea, Republic of Korea