The team of researchers are pioneering a groundbreaking project aimed at revolutionizing targeted drug delivery into the skin. This innovative approach utilizes RNA aptamers — RNA molecules that bind to specific targets with high affinity and specificity.

The project focuses on developing chemically modified RNA aptamers to target Langerhans cells (LC) or block immune responses, with the goal of creating new treatment options for the autoimmune disease vitiligo. Vitiligo is characterized by the infiltration of autoreactive cytotoxic T cells into the skin, leading to the destruction of melanocytes, which are crucial for producing skin pigments that act as a UV-protection shield.

In collaboration with Prof. Patrizia Stoitzner (Medical University of Innsbruck), Prof. Steffen Thiel (Aarhus University), Prof. Claus Johansen (Aarhus University Hospital), and Prof. Niels Schaft (University Hospital Erlangen), Valero's team will explore various approaches to dampen the autoimmune process in vitiligo. These include the local delivery of anti-inflammatory molecules such as glucocorticoids, antigenic peptides to reprogram CD4⁺ T cells into regulatory T cells, and immuno-blocking aptamers.

This research holds the potential to develop innovative skin vaccination strategies and local anti-inflammatory treatments. Ultimately, it aims to transform skin-targeted therapies, enhance immune responses, and reduce off-target effects through cell-specific delivery of novel vaccines.

Read more about the other recipients' projects here.