Yori Endo, MD, MPhil, BSc | Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Competition Sponsor: National Academy of Medicine
Awardee Year: 2025
As we age, our tissues accumulate senescent cells that secrete inflammatory factors, which in turn induce more senescence in neighboring cells. This self-perpetuating cycle of inflammation and senescence fundamentally drives the aging process itself and accelerates multiple age-related pathologies. Current interventions targeting either senescence or inflammation in isolation fail to break this cycle effectively.
We propose a novel multimodal nanoliposome delivery platform that simultaneously disrupts this cycle at three critical points: eliminating existing senescent cells, neutralizing inflammatory signals, and epigenetically rejuvenating pre-senescent cells. The platform features dual-targeting technology that specifically homes to both senescent cells and inflammatory microenvironments through antibodies against unique surface markers. Our innovative temporal release mechanism delivers each therapeutic component in a precisely timed sequence to maximize synergistic effects.
This approach directly addresses a fundamental mechanism of aging rather than treating individual symptoms or diseases. By simultaneously targeting multiple nodes in the inflammation-senescence network, we can potentially reverse biological age at the tissue level and restore youthful function.
The technology builds on established foundations in nanoparticle delivery and cellular reprogramming while innovating in their combined application. Initial testing will focus on adipose tissue and vasculature, with comprehensive measurements of senescent cell burden, inflammatory markers, epigenetic age, and physiological function. Success could transform how we approach aging, shifting from disease management to addressing the core drivers of biological decline.