GCSP research stipend | Summer 2024

Immunomodulatory Trophoblast-derived Extracellular Vesicle (EV) Release from Polyethylene-glycol (PEG) Hydrogels

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1D) is an autoimmune disorder that impairs pancreatic islets and blood glucose regulation. Islet cell transplantation is a promising treatment, but direct and indirect antigen recognition lead to graft rejection by the immune system. Literature suggests that trophoblast extracellular vesicles (EVs) contain immunomodulatory factors that play a role in fetal immune tolerance, and the research team aims to use these EVs to develop a tolerogenic therapy that prevents rejection. This study aims to develop a synthetic hydrogel composition that will enable sustained EV release. The research team has designed hydrolytic and proteolytically degradable hydrogel EV delivery vehicles and are quantifying EV release over time in vitro.

Jenna Materna was selected as an Outstanding Student Researcher for her summer 2024 GCSP research stipend project work.