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
Graduate researcher
School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Republic of Korea, Republic of Korea