[Hinews] SEOUL, South Korea — A research team led by Professor Jun-o Jin at the University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center has developed a novel nanoparticle that selectively targets immune cells—offering a promising new approach to asthma treatment with fewer side effects. The findings were published in ACS Nano, a leading journal in nanoscience (Impact Factor: 16.0).

Named DM-HNP, the hybrid nanoparticle carries the corticosteroid dexamethasone and is engineered to bind specifically to dendritic cells and macrophages. Its surface is modified with MPLA, a molecule that binds to the TLR4 receptor—a key driver of inflammatory responses—thereby enabling precise drug delivery to immune cells.

In experiments with mice induced with allergic asthma, administering DM-HNP for three days markedly reduced lung inflammation and restored immune balance. TThe treatment caused dendritic cells to become tolerogenic—capable of suppressing inflammation—while macrophages shifted to the M2 phenotype, which promotes tissue repair. The number of regulatory T cells—crucial for maintaining immune tolerance—also rose significantly.

From left: Professor Jun-o Jin (Department of Microbiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center) and Dr. Eun-kyung Ahn.
From left: Professor Jun-o Jin (Department of Microbiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center) and Dr. Eun-kyung Ahn.

Conventional corticosteroid therapies for asthma often suppress the entire immune system, leading to significant side effects with long-term use. In contrast, DM-HNP targets only specific immune cells, preserving therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse effects, according to the researchers.

The team also highlighted the nanoparticle’s preventive potential: when administered early during asthma onset, DM-HNP reduced lung inflammation and preserved tissue integrity.

“his research introduces a precision immunotherapy approach that targets specific immune cells,” said Professor Jin. “We expect it to have potential in treating not only asthma, but also autoimmune conditions such as atopic dermatitis and inflammatory bowel disease.”

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#AsthmaTreatment#AsanMedicalCenter#Nanotechnology#AsanMedicalCenter
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