Lisa Volpatti, MS, MPhil, PhD
Effects of Avidity on Targeting Low-Density Lipoproteins
Abstract
Obesity and related metabolic diseases are on the rise, yet current treatment options do not fully address the chronic inflammation that underlies many of these conditions. While immunomodulatory drugs offer potential, they are often associated with toxic side effects. To overcome these limitations, we have engineered proteins to bind low-density lipoprotein (LDL) as a vehicle to deliver immunotherapies directly to diseased tissues. In this proposal, we will develop an LDL-binding nanoparticle delivery system and investigate various formulations that bind to different numbers of LDL particles to determine how valency influences drug biodistribution within animal models. We will also explore different dosing strategies and routes of administration to evaluate the clinical potential of this approach. This platform technology offers broad applicability, as it can be used to deliver a wide range of drug types and is relevant for multiple disease contexts.
This award is a milestone in my career, marking my first nationally competitive grant as a faculty member. It supports our work targeting lipid-loaded macrophages — a key step toward developing better therapies for chronic inflammatory diseases.
