Research and career
Whitehead's research considers the development of drug delivery systems for gene therapy. [9] She is interested in the development of nanoparticle materials to deliver messenger RNA (mRNA) to specific cells. [10] Targeted mRNA delivery provides physicians with a personalized strategy to treat genetic disorders. [11] Alongside mRNA, Whitehead has studied small interfering RNA, which can be used to control gene expression. [12] In general, mRNA promotes gene expression, whilst siRNA is used to silence over-expressed genes. [13] She focuses on the development of delivery systems for leukocytes (including B cells) and intestinal epithelium. [6] [14] A challenge with using mRNA for therapeutic purposes is that the body often recognizes intruder mRNA and attacks it, triggering an immune response. [13] She worked with Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman on the development of the lipid nanoparticles that enabled the mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines. [15] [16]
In an attempt to better design drug delivery systems, Whitehead has investigated the cellular components of breast milk. [17] [18] She is interested in whether it is possible to genetically engineer cells to treat children's allergies, or orally administer vaccines to infants. [17]
Whitehead is passionate about science communication and improving public trust in science. [19] In 2021, she delivered a TED talk on lipid nanoparticles and how mRNA will transform biology. [20] In 2022, Whitehead delivered the convocation address at the Carnegie Mellon University. [21]
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