Plant-derived nanoparticles for targeted gene therapy delivery
Innovative use of plant-derived nanoparticles for gene therapy, exploiting natural oral tolerance to reduce immune response. These biodegradable carriers can package therapeutic genes, offering a potential alternative to existing delivery platforms with lower immunogenicity.
Overview
This cutting-edge research explores the use of plant-derived nanoparticles as vehicles for targeted gene therapy. By leveraging the natural properties of plant pathogens, which are commonly ingested and induce oral tolerance, these nanoparticles can minimize immune activation and circulate effectively in the human body. This approach offers a biodegradable and potentially less immunogenic alternative to traditional delivery platforms like Adeno-Associated Viruses and Lipid Nanoparticles, which often face manufacturing and immune-related challenges.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Utilizes plant-derived nanoparticles from pathogens that are part of human diets, reducing immune response through oral tolerance.
- Capable of packaging therapeutic genes ranging from 6-12kb for Potyviruses to up to 16kb for larger viruses like Bromoviruses.
- Engineered to modify plant pathogen RNA to support therapeutic gene expression in mammalian systems.
- Potential for scalability and feasibility in transgene packaging through recombinant variant development.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 3, indicating that it is in the experimental proof-of-concept stage. Ongoing validation includes profiling plant pathogen exposure in humans and engineering recombinant plant pathogen variants to support therapeutic gene expression, ensuring scalability and effectiveness.
About University of Utah
The University of Utah is a comprehensive public research university in Salt Lake City, paired with the resources of a major academic medical center. Industry partners engage through an on-campus research and technology park that co-locates companies with faculty labs and shared core facilities. Clinical integration supports large-scale trials and translation, while proximity to Silicon Slopes expands access to regional innovation partners. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from NIH and NSF, with additional awards from DOE and the Department of Defense. A dedicated technology commercialization office manages IP, licensing, startup formation, and corporate engagement, with incubator space in the research park.
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