Biomaterials for Immunotherapy

The immune system is one of systemic barriers to the body’s defense against tumors. Emerging interest is moving on utilizing biomaterials for immunotherapy and immunoengineering of cancer therapy. Such biomaterial platform offers the remarkable ability to codelivery of multiple cargoes, control their release behavior, alter their kinetics and pharmacodynamic effects, and so on. In addition, well-designed functional biomaterials can alter the immune-related microenvironment, modulate the immune response, as well as reverse immunosuppressive tumor environment in the context of disease treatment.

Cell-based therapy

Various types of cells are promising drug carriers or living drugs themselves. Armed with the emerging techniques in materials science, molecular pharmaceutics and nanobiotechnology, cell engineering is an appealing therapeutic platform for the development of next-generation medications. We will study the enhanced therapy effects by the combination of functional cells and biomaterials. Generally, our biomaterials – based on micor/nanoparticles or scaffolds – will be engineered for switching using innovate and modern concepts in cell based therapy.

Immunity in Tumor and Inflammatory Microenvironment

We will study the immune cells in the tumor microenvironment and the mechanisms of tumor to suppress the immune response. Understanding the mechanism by which the tumor microenvironment context is extremely important for the design of novel immunotherapies.