RNA-based therapeutics to augment regulatory T cells: a novel approach to treat myocarditis
Grant Award Details
Grant Type:
Grant Number:
DISC2-14899
Investigator(s):
Disease Focus:
Human Stem Cell Use:
Award Value:
$2,264,509
Status:
Active
Grant Application Details
Application Title:
RNA-based therapeutics to augment regulatory T cells: a novel approach to treat myocarditis
Public Abstract:
Research Objective
Use human cell therapy insights, specifically CDC-secreted EV analysis, to develop a noncoding RNA chemical entity for myocarditis treatment.
Impact
Key knowledge gap is how to recruit adaptive immunity to limit inflammation/heart injury in myocarditis. Boosting regulatory T cells is not yet a viable option.
Major Proposed Activities
Use human cell therapy insights, specifically CDC-secreted EV analysis, to develop a noncoding RNA chemical entity for myocarditis treatment.
Impact
Key knowledge gap is how to recruit adaptive immunity to limit inflammation/heart injury in myocarditis. Boosting regulatory T cells is not yet a viable option.
Major Proposed Activities
- Investigate the mechanism(s) by which BCYRN1 mediates proliferation of human regulatory T cells
- Investigate the mechanism(s) by which BCYRN1 enhances migration of human regulatory T cells
- Investigate the mechanism(s) by which BCYRN1 increases IL-10 in human regulatory T cells
- Synthesis and evaluation of BDSS on human regulatory T Cell function: proliferation, migration, IL-10 production and suppression activity
- Therapeutic candidate selection based on in vitro efficacy data
- Assess in vivo the therapeutic potential of the chosen Therapeutic candidate in a CVB3-induced myocarditis mouse model
Statement of Benefit to California:
Myocarditis can affect people in California just like anywhere else. It can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, and there are currently no effective treatments to limit damage to the heart. Developing RNA drugs for myocarditis that recruit regulatory T cells could potentially offer a new therapeutic approach to limit heart damage and improve outcomes for patients in California, thus improving the overall health and well-being of Californians.
