Program Enrichment

The overall research objective of my laboratory is to investigate the basic inflammatory and immunological processes contributing to diverse pathologies and develop targeted therapeutic approaches using engineering- and materials-based strategies. More specifically, we aim to achieve controlled elicitation or suppression of the immune system via the rational design of delivery systems that target key inflammatory cell populations. We approach this by synthesizing, assembling and testing in vivo a range of nanostructures loaded with strategically selected combinations of immunostimulants. By validating our immunostimulatory nanomaterials in mouse models for heart disease, cancer, and Chagas disease, we intend to demonstrate therapeutic immunomodulation based on the rational design of synthetic materials.