Influenza A virus (IAV) infection is life-threatening, particularly for patients suffering from chronic lung disease. By 2025, it is anticipated that there will be an additional 165 million chronic lung disease patients, all of whom will be highly susceptible to IAV infection. Without the availability of more effective and efficient treatments than those currently in use, IAV infection will incur a high socio-economic toll on society, and ultimately prove deadly for the most vulnerable.
Dr Dua and his team investigate the relationship between chronic lung conditions and the Influenza A Virus. 1) contributing to understanding and management of the Influenza A infection; 2) exploring the potential of advanced drug delivery technology in encapsulating and delivery of biological therapeutic targets; and 3) preparing a blueprint to further medical research into other related respiratory diseases.
Dr Dua has identified that various microRNAs play a critical role in regulating the underlying pathogenesis, which include -miR-21, -miR125a and b as this research has shown upregulation of these microRNAs. Alongside, various nanoparticles containing the inhibitors of these microRNAs as a delivery system have been developed and characterised.
The developed miRNA inhibitor nanoparticle formulation and associated delivery technology will streamline and de-risk future developments in miRNA-based therapies.
Dr Dua’s research on nanoparticle inhibitors as a treatment is ongoing with the next steps including the development and characterisation of the nanoparticles containing inhibitors and testing it in the biological system. Dr Dua has developed collaborations to support development of the potential innovative treatment.
