Italian researchers develop nanovectors for liver disease treatment

Italian researchers have developed a new therapeutic strategy using lipid nanovectors to treat primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), an autoimmune disease that damages the bile ducts in the liver. The research, published in the journal Small, involves a collaboration between Sapienza University of Rome, the Mario Negri Institute, and the University of Milano-Bicocca.

The study focuses on delivering specific nucleic acids directly into the liver's immune cells to inhibit the production of proteins involved in the disease's pathological processes. By targeting these cells, the technology aims to reduce inflammation and prevent the progression to liver fibrosis or organ failure, which can necessitate transplants.

While the preclinical results in animal models are promising, the researchers noted that further studies in humans are required before the treatment can be implemented clinically.