Overview

• Houston Methodist and Rice researchers report that encapsulated astrocytes reduced neuroinflammatory biomarkers in human brain organoids and mouse models.
• The microcapsules measure roughly 300 micrometers in diameter and form a barrier that resists immune rejection and prevents implanted cell migration.
• Engineered cells secreted interleukin‑1 receptor antagonist locally, aiming to limit systemic exposure associated with anti‑inflammatory therapies.
• The peer‑reviewed work, led by Robert Krencik with Omid Veiseh as co‑corresponding author, was published Sept. 25, 2025 in Biomaterials.
• The team emphasizes the approach remains preclinical, with planned studies on long‑term safety, durability, dosing, and efficacy across disease models.