The emerging potential of siRNA nanotherapeutics in treatment of arthritis

RNA interference(RNAi)using small interfering RNA(siRNA)has shown potential as a therapeutic option for the treatment of arthritis by silencing specific genes.However,siRNA delivery faces several challenges,including stability,targeting,off-target effects,endosomal escape,immune response activation,intravascular degradation,and renal clearance.A variety of nanotherapeutics like lipidic nanoparticles,liposomes,polymeric nanoparticles,and solid lipid nanoparticles have been developed to improve siRNA cellular uptake,protect it from degradation,and enhance its therapeutic efficacy.Researchers are also investigating chemical modifications and bioconjugation to reduce its immunogenicity.This review discusses the potential of siRNA nanotherapeutics as a therapeutic option for various immune-mediated diseases,including rheumatoid arthritis,osteoarthritis,etc.siRNA nanotherapeutics have shown an upsurge of interest and the future looks promising for such interdisciplinary approach-based modalities that combine the principles of molecular biology,nanotechnology,and formulation sciences.

Preliminary delivery efficiency prediction of nanotherapeutics into crucial cell populations in bone marrow niche

Several crucial stromal cell populations regulate hematopoiesis and malignant diseases in bone marrow niches.Precise regulation of these cell types can remodel niches and develop new therapeutics.Multiple nanocarriers have been developed to transport drugs into the bone marrow selectively.However,the delivery efficiency of these nanotherapeutics into crucial niche cells is still unknown,and there is no method available for predicting delivery efficiency in these cell types.Here,we constructed a three-dimensional bone marrow niche composed of three crucial cell populations:endothelial cells(ECs),mesenchymal stromal cells(MSCs),and osteoblasts(OBs).Mimetic niches were used to detect the cellular uptake of three typical drug nanocarriers into ECs/MSCs/OBs in vitro.Less than 5%of nanocarriers were taken up by three stromal cell types,and most of themwere located in the extracellular matrix.Delivery efficiency in sinusoidal ECs,arteriole ECs,MSCs,and OBs in vivo was analyzed.The correlation analysis showed that the cellular uptake of three nanocarriers in crucial cell types in vitro is positively linear correlated with its delivery efficiency in vivo.The delivery efficiency into MSCs was remarkably higher than that into ECs and OBs,no matterwhat kind of nanocarrier.The overall efficiency into sinusoidal ECswas greatly lower than that into arteriole ECs.All nanocarriers were hard to be delivered into OBs(<1%).Our findings revealed that cell tropisms of nanocarriers with different compositions and ligand attachments in vivo could be predicted via detecting their cellular uptake in bone marrow niches in vitro.This study provided the methodology for niche-directed nanotherapeutics development.

Recent advances in orally administered cell-specific nanotherapeutics for inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) is a chronic relapsing disease in gastrointestinal tract. Conventional medications lack the efficacy to offer complete remission in IBD therapy,and usually associate with serious side effects. Recent studies indicated that nanoparticle-based nanotherapeutics may offer precise and safe alternative to conventional medications via enhanced targeting,sustained drug release,and decreased adverse effects. Here,we reviewed orally cell-specific nanotherapeutics developed in recent years. In addition,the various obstacles for oral drug delivery are also reviewed in this manuscript. Orally administrated cell-specific nanotherapeutics is expected to become a novel therapeutic approach for IBD treatment.

Recent advances in nanotherapeutics for the treatment and prevention of acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury(AKI)is a serious kidney disease without specific medications currently except for expensive dialysis treatment.Some potential drugs are limited due to their high hydrophobicity,poor in vivo stability,low bioavailability and possible adverse effects.Besides,kidney-targeted drugs are not common and small molecules are cleared too quickly to achieve effective drug concentrations in injured kidneys.These problems limit the development of pharmacological therapy for AKI.Nanotherapeutics based on nanotechnology have been proved to be an emerging and promising treatment strategy for AKI,which may solve the pharmacological therapy dilemma.More and more nanotherapeutics with different physicochemical properties are developed to efficiently deliver drugs,increase accumulation and control release of drugs in injury kidneys and also directly as effective antioxidants.Here,we discuss the recent nanotherapeutics applied in the treatment and prevention of AKI with improved effectiveness and few side effects.

Nanotherapeutics targeting autophagy regulation for improved cancer therapy

The clinical efficacy of current cancer therapies falls short,and there is a pressing demand to integrate new targets with conventional therapies.Autophagy,a highly conserved self-degradation process,has received considerable attention as an emerging therapeutic target for cancer.With the rapid development of nanomedicine,nanomaterials have been widely utilized in cancer therapy due to their unrivaled delivery performance.Hence,considering the potential benefits of integrating autophagy and nanotechnology in cancer therapy,we outline the latest advances in autophagy-based nanotherapeutics.Based on a brief background related to autophagy and nanotherapeutics and their impact on tumor progression,the feasibility of autophagy-based nanotherapeutics for cancer treatment is demonstrated.Further,emerging nanotherapeutics developed to modulate autophagy are reviewed from the perspective of cell signaling pathways,including modulation of the mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)pathway,autophagy-related(ATG)and its complex expression,reactive oxygen species(ROS)and mitophagy,interference with autophagosome-lysosome fusion,and inhibition of hypoxia-mediated autophagy.In addition,combination therapies in which nano-autophagy modulation is combined with chemotherapy,phototherapy,and immunotherapy are also described.Finally,the prospects and challenges of autophagy-based nanotherapeutics for efficient cancer treatment are envisioned.

Advanced nanotherapeutics inspired by the abnormal microenvironment of leukemia

During the development of leukemia,the overgrowth of leukemia cells in the bone marrow transforms the normal hematopoietic microenvironment into the leukemia microenvironment which favors its growth and inhibits normal hematopoietic stem cells.The leukemia microenvironment exhibits abnormalities in redox substances,metabolism,immune response,mesenchymal cells,extracellular matrix,stromal cells,hypoxia,and more.These factors collectively provide a shelter for the malignant proliferation of leukemia cells.Recently,as the understanding of the leukemia microenvironment deepens,targeting or remodeling the abnormal leukemia microenvironment is becoming an effective strategy for leukemia treatment.Nanomedicine technology can effectively change pharmacokinetic profiles,thus demonstrating many advantages in modulating the leukemia microenvironment and improving therapeutic selectivity.In this review,we outline the characteristics of abnormal leukemia bone marrow microenvironment,focusing on the abnormal changes in the redox,metabolic and immune microenvironment.We also summarize emerging nanotechnology strategies in remodeling or targeting the aforementioned abnormal microenvironment.In addition,the unique advantages and bright prospects of nanotechnology in remodeling and targeting the leukemia microenvironment are discussed.

Intelligent nanotherapeutic strategies for the delivery of CRISPR system

CRISPR, as an emerging gene editing technology, has been widely used in multiple fields due to its convenient operation, less cost, high efficiency and precision. This robust and effective device has revolutionized the development of biomedical research at an unexpected speed in recent years. The development of intelligent and precise CRISPR delivery strategies in a controllable and safe manner is the prerequisite for translational clinical medicine in gene therapy field. In this review, the therapeutic application of CRISPR delivery and the translational potential of gene editing was firstly discussed. Critical obstacles for the delivery of CRISPR system in vivo and shortcomings of CRISPR system itself were also analyzed. Given that intelligent nanoparticles have demonstrated great potential on the delivery of CRISPR system, here we mainly focused on stimuli-responsive nanocarriers. We also summarized various strategies for CIRSPR-Cas9 system delivered by intelligent nanocarriers which would respond to different endogenous and exogenous signal stimulus. Moreover, new genome editors mediated by nanotherapeutic vectors for gene therapy were also discussed. Finally, we discussed future prospects of genome editing for existing nanocarriers in clinical settings.

From liver fibrosis to hepatocarcinogenesis: Role of excessive liver H_(2)O_(2) and targeting nanotherapeutics

Liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)have been worldwide threats nowadays.Liver fibrosis is reversible in early stages but will develop precancerosis of HCC in cirrhotic stage.In pathological liver,excessive H_(2)O_(2) is generated and accumulated,which impacts the functionality of hepatocytes,Kupffer cells(KCs)and hepatic stellate cells(HSCs),leading to genesis of fibrosis and HCC.H_(2)O_(2) accumulation is associated with overproduction of superoxide anion(O_(2)^(·-))and abolished antioxidant enzyme systems.Plenty of therapeutics focused on H_(2)O_(2) have shown satisfactory effects against liver fibrosis or HCC in different ways.This review summarized the reasons of liver H_(2)O_(2) accumulation,and the role of H_(2)O_(2) in genesis of liver fibrosis and HCC.Additionally,nanotherapeutics targeting H_(2)O_(2) were summarized for further consideration of antifibrotic or antitumor therapy.

Use of curcumin and its nanopreparations in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is a nonspecific inflammatory disease of the intestine that includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.Because IBD is difficult to heal and easily relapses,it could worsen patient quality of life and increase economic burdens.Curcumin(CUR)is a bioactive component derived from the rhizome of turmeric(Curcuma longa).Many basic and clinical studies have shown that CUR can efficiently treat IBD by decreasing the activity of proinflammatory cytokines by communicating with transcription factors and signaling molecules.However,due to the limitations of being almost insoluble in aqueous solutions and having low oral bioavailability,it is important to select appropriate pharmaceutical preparations.

Recent advances in nanotherapeutics for the treatment of burn wounds

Moderate or severe burns are potentially devastating injuries that can even cause death,and many of them occur every year.Infection prevention,anti-inflammation,pain management and administration of growth factors play key roles in the treatment of burn wounds.Novel therapeutic strategies under development,such as nanotherapeutics,are promising prospects for burn wound treatment.Nanotherapeutics,including metallic and polymeric nanoformulations,have been extensively developed to manage various types of burns.Both human and animal studies have demonstrated that nanotherapeutics are biocompatible and effective in this application.Herein,we provide comprehensive knowledge of and an update on the progress of various nanoformulations for the treatment of burn wounds.

Dual ligand-targeted Pluronic P123 polymeric micelles enhance the therapeutic effect of breast cancer with bone metastases

Bone metastasis secondary to breast cancer negatively impacts patient quality of life and survival.The treatment of bone metastases is challenging since many anticancer drugs are not effectively delivered to the bone to exert a therapeutic effect.To improve the treatment efficacy,we developed Pluronic P123(P123)-based polymeric micelles dually decorated with alendronate(ALN)and cancer-specific phage protein DMPGTVLP(DP-8)for targeted drug delivery to breast cancer bone metastases.Doxorubicin(DOX)was selected as the anticancer drug and was encapsulated into the hydrophobic core of the micelles with a high drug loading capacity(3.44%).The DOX-loaded polymeric micelles were spherical,123 nm in diameter on average,and exhibited a narrow size distribution.The in vitro experiments demonstrated that a pH decrease from 7.4 to 5.0 markedly accelerated DOX release.The micelles were well internalized by cultured breast cancer cells and the cell death rate of micelle-treated breast cancer cells was increased compared to that of free DOX-treated cells.Rapid binding of the micelles to hydroxyapatite(HA)microparticles indicated their high affinity for bone.P123-ALN/DP-8@DOX inhibited tumor growth and reduced bone resorption in a 3D cancer bone metastasis model.In vivo experiments using a breast cancer bone metastasis nude model demonstrated increased accumulation of the micelles in the tumor region and considerable antitumor activity with no organ-specific histological damage and minimal systemic toxicity.In conclusion,our study provided strong evidence that these pH-sensitive dual ligand-targeted polymeric micelles may be a successful treatment strategy for breast cancer bone metastasis.

Nanotherapeutics for regeneration of degenerated tissue infected by bacteria through the multiple delivery of bioactive ions and growth factor with antibacterial/angiogenic and osteogenic/odontogenic capacity

Therapeutic options are quite limited in clinics for the successful repair of infected/degenerated tissues.Although the prevalent treatment is the complete removal of the whole infected tissue,this leads to a loss of tissue function and serious complications.Herein the dental pulp infection,as one of the most common dental problems,was selected as a clinically relevant case to regenerate using a multifunctional nanotherapeutic approach.For this,a mesoporous bioactive glass nano-delivery system incorporating silicate,calcium,and copper as well as loading epidermal growth factor(EGF)was designed to provide antibacterial/pro-angiogenic and osteo/odontogenic multiple therapeutic effects.Amine-functionalized Cu-doped bioactive glass nanospheres(Cu-BGn)were prepared to be 50–60 nm in size,mesoporous,positive-charged and bone-bioactive.The Cu-BGn could release bioactive ions(copper,calcium and silicate ions)with therapeutically-effective doses.The Cu-BGn treatment to human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC)led to significant enhancement of the migration,tubule formation and expression of angiogenic gene(e.g.vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF).Furthermore,the EGF-loaded Cu-BGn(EGF@Cu-BGn)showed pro-angiogenic effects with antibacterial activity against E.faecalis,a pathogen commonly involved in the pulp infection.Of note,under the co-culture condition of HUVEC with E.faecalis,the secretion of VEGF was up-regulated.In addition,the osteo/odontogenic stimulation of the EGF@Cu-BGn was evidenced with human dental pulp stem cells.The local administration of the EGF@Cu-BGn in a rat molar tooth defect infected with E.faecalis revealed significant in vivo regenerative capacity,highlighting the nanotherapeutic uses of the multifunctional nanoparticles for regenerating infected/damaged hard tissues.

High-density lipoprotein mimetic nanotherapeutics for cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases

High-density lipoprotein （HDL） serves as a natural nanoparticle with compositional and functional heterogeneity and contributes to the maintenance of lipid metabolism and various biological functions. HDL also transports endogenous microRNAs, vitamins, hormones, and proteins through blood and interstitial fluids to various organs. These unique and diverse features of HDL have encouraged its applications for the transport of therapeutics and diagnostic reagents in the last decade. In this review, we describe the heterogeneous characteristics and biological functions of HDL and highlight HDL mimetic approaches, including apolipoprotein mimetic peptides and reconstituted HDL nanoparticles. Given the potential of HDL as a nanocarrier delivering various therapeutic agents, we discuss the current representative studies of HDL mimetic nanotherapeutics for cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases and analyze the current challenges and future perspective.

纳米疗法介导铁死亡触发内源性信号特异性激活cGAS-STING通路用于增强肿瘤免疫治疗

激活环状GMP-AMP合成酶-干扰素基因刺激因子(cGAS-STING)通路可以有效启动抗肿瘤免疫,但如何特异性地激活STING通路仍是一个巨大的挑战.本文设计了一种铁死亡触发肿瘤细胞线粒体DNA释放,用于激活STING通路的肿瘤免疫治疗纳米平台(命名为HBMn-FA).一方面,HBMn-FA介导的铁死亡可以诱导肿瘤细胞中活性氧(ROS)水平急剧升高,引起线粒体氧化应激,释放内源性信号分子-线粒体DNA,并在Mn^(2+)的协同作用下特异性启动cGAS-STING通路.另一方面,HBMn-FA也可以造成肿瘤细胞死亡,并释放死亡肿瘤细胞碎片中的胞质双链DNA(dsDNA)进一步激活抗原提呈细胞(如DC细胞)中的cGAS-STING通路.通过建立铁死亡和cGAS-STING通路之间的连接可以快速启动全身抗肿瘤免疫响应,并增强免疫检查点疗法,从而抑制局部和转移性肿瘤的生长.

Potential Alzheimer’s disease therapeutic nano-platform: Discovery of amyloid-beta plaque disaggregating agent and brain-targeted delivery system using porous silicon nanoparticles

There has been a lot of basic and clinical research on Alzheimer’s disease(AD)over the last 100 years,but its mechanisms and treatments have not been fully clarified.Despite some controversies,the amyloid-beta hypothesis is one of the most widely accepted causes of AD.In this study,we disclose a new amyloid-beta plaque disaggregating agent and an AD brain-targeted delivery system using porous silicon nanoparticles(pSiNPs)as a therapeutic nano-platform to overcome AD.We hypothesized that the negatively charged sulfonic acid functional group could disaggregate plaques and construct a chemical library.As a result of the in vitro assay of amyloid plaques and library screening,we confirmed that 6-amino-2-naphthalenesulfonic acid(ANA)showed the highest efficacy for plaque disaggregation as a hit compound.To confirm the targeted delivery of ANA to the AD brain,a nano-platform was created using porous silicon nanoparticles(pSiNPs)with ANA loaded into the pore of pSiNPs and biotin-polyethylene glycol(PEG)surface functionalization.The resulting nano-formulation,named Biotin-CaCl2-ANA-pSiNPs(BCAP),delivered a large amount of ANA to the AD brain and ameliorated memory impairment of the AD mouse model through the disaggregation of amyloid plaques in the brain.This study presents a new bioactive small molecule for amyloid plaque disaggregation and its promising therapeutic nano-platform for AD brain-targeted delivery.

Leukocyte-derived biomimetic nanoparticulate drug delivery systems for cancer therapy

Precise drug delivery to tumors with low system toxicity is one of the most important and challenging tasks for pharmaceutical researchers. Despite progress in the field of nanotherapeutics, the use of artificially synthesized nanocarriers still faces several challenges, including rapid clearance from blood circulation and limited capability of overcoming multiple physiological barriers, which hamper the clinical application of nanoparticle-based therapies. Since leukocytes(including monocytes/macrophages,neutrophils, dendritic cells and lymphocytes) target tumors and can migrate across physiological barriers,leukocytes are increasing utilized as carriers to transfer nanoparticles to tumors. In this review we specifically focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of leukocytes that can be exploited as a vehicle to deliver nanoparticles to tumors and summarize the latest research on how leukocytes can be harnessed to improve therapeutic end-points. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities of this leukocyte-derived nanoparticle drug delivery system.

Curcumin-loaded polymeric nanoparticles for neuro-protection in neonatal rats with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is the leading cause of permanent brain injury in term newborns and currently has no cure. Inflammatory processes play a key role in the progression of this disease and may be amenable to a targeted pharmaceutical intervention. Curcumin is a dietary compound with potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic properties but is limited in therapeutic applications due to its low aqueous solubility, low bioavailability, and rapid first-pass hepatic metabolism. To address these limitations, loading curcumin into poly（lactic-co-glycolic acid）-poly（ethylene glycol） （PLGA-PEG） nanoparticles may increase relevant pharmacokinetic parameters and allow for effective drug delivery to the brain. Using the Vannucci model of unilateral hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in neonatal rats, we studied the in vivo effect of curcumin-loaded PLGA-PEG nanoparticles on brain uptake and diffusion of curcumin and on neuroprotection. The curcumin-loaded nanoparticles were able to overcome the impaired blood-brain barrier, diffuse effectively through the brain parenchyma, localize in regions of injury, and deliver a protective effect in the injured neonatal brain. The application of curcumin and PLGA-PEG nanoparticle-mediated delivery to a clinically relevant model of neonatal brain injury provides greater opportunities for clinical translation of targeted therapies for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.