Ms. Mehrnoosh Rafiei

PhD student

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

 

Microglia, the immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), are crucial in neuroinflammation. This research explores the potential of modulating microglial activation from a pro-inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory state to reduce inflammation. Specific mRNA delivery is emphasized as a therapeutic strategy, utilizing hyaluronic acid (HA) modified lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). HA not only diminishes the immunogenicity of these nanoparticles but also targets CD44 receptors, which are upregulated in activated microglia, enhancing the specificity of mRNA delivery.

 

To optimize our approach, we employed machine learning and high-throughput screening to predict microglial cell behavior in response to different formulations, identifying the most effective candidates for our objectives. Our aim is to leverage machine learning to study the response of immune cells to biomaterials as carriers, ultimately enhancing therapeutic interventions targeting neuroinflammation.