Dr. Riddha Das

Our work brings together nanomedicine, immunoengineering, and biomaterials to control how immune cells behave across different disease settings. We investigate disease-relevant immune pathways and use these insights to design cell-based, nanoscale, and biomaterial-based therapeutic strategies for cancer, autoimmune disorders, and women’s health. Our broader aim is to translate mechanistic discoveries into clinically relevant therapies that improve human health. Major areas of focus include:
 

1. Ex vivo Immune-Cell Engineering and Adoptive Immunotherapy
   We develop ex vivo engineered immune-cell platforms for controlled and customizable cell-based therapies. A major focus is on reprogramming antigen-presenting cells, including dendritic cells and macrophages, into therapeutically beneficial ‘phenotypical’ states before administration. These cells coordinate immune responses through antigen presentation, cytokine production, and communication with T cells. Ex vivo engineering enables precise control over cell phenotype and function, reduces reliance on tissue-delivery barriers, and allows therapeutic cells to be characterized before treatment. Through this work, we aim to develop consistent, adaptable cellular therapies tailored to specific disease settings.
    
2. Biomimetic Nanomedicine for Precision Delivery
   We are interested in developing biomimetic nanomaterials that leverage the natural targeting and immune-interaction properties of biological systems. Extracellular vesicles, for example, retain surface proteins, lipids, and molecular signatures from their parent cells that can influence tissue localization, cellular recognition, and immune responses. We seek to incorporate these biologically relevant features into engineered delivery platforms while maintaining control over cargo loading, stability, and pharmacokinetics. By tailoring these systems to the molecular and immunological characteristics of specific diseases and patients, our goal is to advance patient-informed precision nanomedicine and immunotherapy.
    
3. Implantable Biomaterials for Localized Immunomodulation
   We design implantable biomaterials, including electrospun nanofiber scaffolds, to control immune responses directly at sites of disease or tissue injury. Localized delivery can maintain therapeutic activity where it is needed while reducing systemic exposure and treatment-associated toxicity. These materials will be engineered with tunable degradability, stiffness, and layer-by-layer architectures to incorporate multiple payloads and release them at distinct rates. The resulting scaffolds can also create supportive microenvironments for immune-cell function, cell therapy, and tissue regeneration, providing adaptable platforms for localized treatment.