therapeutics

Formulation engineering
Nanoparticles have several promising features as drug delivery systems, but their in vivo design principles are just beginning to be understood. For example, the majority of existing formulations rapidly end up in the liver following in vivo administration, making them ill-suited for treating many diseases. Using nanoscopic structures made of DNA, which can be programmed with arbitrary user-prescribed shapes and dynamics, we are elucidating how nanoparticle features determine their cell-type specific uptake and subcellular localization patterns for guiding the design of more efficient nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems.

Engineering Immunity
Our immune system is outfitted with a plethora of sensors to discriminate friend from foe. Precisely engaging these sensors is critical to the success of immune-interventions for vaccines (i.e. activation) and autoimmune therapies (i.e. dampening). Materials with tailor-made structure, valency, solubility, and release profiles, for example via mimicry of natural pathogens, represent an innovative approach for controlled immuno-modulation. Using DNA nanostructures as a programmable core buidling block, we explore how engineered combinations of signals can lead to synergistic immuno-modulatory properties.

Therapeutic design
Neoantigen vaccine is a personalized approach to treat cancer that harnesses the power of mobilizing our immune system. However, there are formidable logistical and manufacturing challenges to personalizing treatments in a cost-effective and timely manner. Regardless, these considerations are paramount to providing clinical benefits. Leveraging the programmability of DNA nanostructures, we aim to develop universal nanoparticle chassis for rapid formulation of neoantigen vaccines. By establishing a plug-and-play platform, we hope to facilitate the adoption and effectiveness of neoantigen vaccines towards front-line clinical use.