The Need and Challenges of Using Gene Therapies to Target Microglia to Attenuate Neuroinflammation

Presenter: Amanda Faith Kanashiro

Faculty Sponsor: Jingjing Gao

School: UMass Amherst

Research Area: Engineering

Session: Poster Session 6, 4:15 PM - 5:00 PM, Auditorium, A16

ABSTRACT

Microglia are pivotal regulators of neuroinflammation, a process implicated in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, migraines, and traumatic brain injuries. Emerging research increasingly targets microglial function to mitigate aberrant inflammatory responses, yet challenges such as off-target effects, sustained efficacy, and especially traversing the blood–brain barrier (BBB) persist. This poster explores the potential of non‐viral gene therapy delivery systems to attenuate neuroinflammation through precise modulation of microglial protein expression. By leveraging non‐viral platforms—such as nanoparticle- and lipid-based carriers—this approach circumvents the immunogenicity and safety concerns associated with viral vectors, while enhancing BBB penetration and ensuring selective uptake by microglia. Optimizing these delivery methods offers a long-lasting and finely tuned therapeutic strategy, advancing targeted treatments that alleviate neuroinflammation without compromising normal microglial function, ultimately improving outcomes for patients with neurodegenerative disorders.


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