Preclinical validation of NeoWarm, a low-cost infant warmer and carrier device, to ameliorate induced hypothermia in newborn piglets as models for human neonates.

Introduction: Approximately 1.5 million neonatal deaths occur among premature and small (low birthweight or small-for gestational age) neonates annually, with a disproportionate amount of this mortality occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Hypothermia, the inability of newborns to regulate their body temperature, is common among prematurely born and small babies, and often underlies high rates of mortality in this population.

An engineering strategy to target activated EGFR with CAR T cells.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have shown remarkable response rates in hematological malignancies. In contrast, CAR T cell treatment of solid tumors is associated with several challenges, in particular the expression of most tumor-associated antigens at lower levels in vital organs, resulting in on-target/off-tumor toxicities. Thus, innovative approaches to improve the tumor specificity of CAR T cells are urgently needed.

Modulation of immune responses to liposomal vaccines by intrastructural help.

The encapsulation of HIV-unrelated T helper peptides into liposomal vaccines presenting trimers of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) on the surface (T helper liposomes) may recruit heterologous T cells to provide help for Env-specific B cells. This mechanism called intrastructural help can modulate the HIV-specific humoral immune response. In this study, we used cationic T helper liposomes to induce intrastructural help effects in a small animal model.

Towards the optimization of drug delivery to the cochlear apex: Influence of polymer and drug selection in biodegradable intracochlear implants.

There is growing need for new drug delivery systems for intracochlear application of drugs to effectively treat inner ear disorders. In this study, we describe the development and characterization of biodegradable, triamcinolone-loaded implants based on poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and polyethylene glycol-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PEG-PLGA) respectively, prepared by hot-melt extrusion. PEG 1500 was used as a plasticizer to improve flexibility and accelerate drug release.

GMP-compliant manufacturing of biologically active cell-derived vesicles produced by extrusion technology.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by a variety of cell types have been shown to act as a natural delivery system for bioactive molecules such as RNAs and proteins. EV therapy holds great promise as a safe and cell-free therapy for many immunological and degenerative diseases. However, translation to clinical application is limited by several factors, including insufficient large-scale manufacturing technologies and low yield.