Novel immune-Cell engager nanostructures for cancer immunotherapy through miRNA delivery to secondary lymphoid organs

About
Tumors escape immune surveillance, limiting the effectiveness of current immunotherapies. To address this, we are developing miRNA-loaded, bioinspired nanocarriers to enhance immune responses and suppress tumor growth. These carriers naturally accumulate in immune organs such as the lymphatics, liver and spleen, where they interact with immune cells and boost systemic anti-cancer immunity. By reprogramming the immune system rather than targeting tumors directly, our strategy aims to overcome resistance in melanoma and colorectal cancer.

Bio

Milagros Castellanos obtained her Ph.D. in Molecular Biology at UAM, studying virus properties and their nanotechnological applications. She then joined Prof. Víctor Muñoz’s lab as a "Juan de la Cierva" postdoctoral fellow, focusing on protein-DNA interactions, folding, and amyloids. Subsequently, she worked with Prof. Álvaro Somoza at IMDEA Nanoscience on nanobiotechnology for disease detection and treatment, including cancer and COVID-19. Her research combines molecular biophysics with nanotechnology-based therapeutics. Since 2023, she has led a research group at IMDEA Nanoscience focused on nanobiosystems for diagnosis and therapy.

Hosted by PI María José Alonso, Nanomedicine and Drug Delivery Group, CiMUS

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