MEI Lab

Drug, Gene & Cell Delivery

The MEI Lab develops cutting-edge technologies at the interface of molecular pharmaceutics, immunology, and nanomedicine. We engineer lipid-based nanoscale carriers—including liposomes and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs)—to deliver RNA, DNA, proteins, and cells with precision. By harnessing these molecular tools, our goal is to transform the design and translation of immunotherapies and gene therapies into clinical practice.

Research Focus

We use synthetic chemistry, nanotechnology, and immunoengineering to design and study delivery systems that overcome biological barriers and fine-tune immune responses. Our major research directions include:

• Immunogenicity Control for AAV Gene Therapy

• Immunogenic mRNA Cancer Vaccines (colon, melanoma, breast cancer)

• Tolerogenic mRNA Vaccine Development for autoimmune disease and AAV re-dosing

• CAR-based Immuno-Cell Therapy platforms

• Novel Lipid Chemistries & Nanocarriers for next-generation RNA therapeutics

• Cell biology of endosomes and lysosomes, etc.

Through advanced imaging, high-throughput screening, and molecular design, we uncover how LNPs interact with cells, escape endosomes, and drive therapeutic gene expression.

From Molecules to Medicine

Our lab’s vision is to bridge molecular design with clinical translation. We synthesize new lipids, formulate mRNA-LNPs, and dissect their intracellular trafficking and immunological effects. By integrating pharmacology with immunology, we aim to create precision RNA therapeutics that enhance safety, efficacy, and accessibility.