A nano-bioconjugate modified with anti-SIRPα antibodies and antisense oligonucleotides of mTOR for anti-atherosclerosis therapy

Beyond cancer: The potential application of CD47-based therapy in non-cancer diseases

CD47 is an immune checkpoint widely regarded as a 'don't eat me' signal. CD47-based anti-cancer therapy has received considerable attention, with a significant number of clinical trials conducted. While anti-cancer therapies based on CD47 remain a focal point of interest among researchers, it is noteworthy that an increasing number of studies have found that CD47-based therapy ameliorated the pathological status of non-cancer diseases. This review aims to provide an overview of the recent progress in comprehending the role of CD47-based therapy in non-cancer diseases, including diseases of the circulatory system, nervous system, digestive system, and so on. Furthermore, we sought to delineate the promising mechanisms of CD47-based therapy in treating non-cancer diseases. Our findings suggest that CD47-based agents may exert their effect by regulating phagocytosis, regulating T cells, dendritic cells, and neutrophils, and regulating the secretion of cytokines and chemokines. Additionally, we put forward the orientation of further research to bring to light the potential of CD47 and its binding partners as a target in non-cancer diseases.

CD47-SIRPα signaling-inspired engineered monocytes for preventing the progression of atherosclerotic plaques

The accumulation of foam cells in the subendothelial space of the vascular wall to form plaques is the real cause of atherosclerotic lesions. Conventional interventions, such as statins and anti-cytokine or anti-inflammatory therapies, suffer problems in terms of their short therapeutic outcomes and potential disruption of the immune system. The development of more efficient therapeutics to restrict the initial progression of plaques appears to be crucial for treating and preventing atherosclerosis. Decreasing foam cell formation by reversing the excessive phagocytosis of modified low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in macrophages is highly desirable. Here, we developed a strategy based on engineered monocytes to dynamically regulate lipid uptake by macrophages inspired by a CD47-SIRPα signaling-induced defect in the phagocytosis of lesional macrophages at the advanced stage of AS. Briefly, a complex called CD47p-GQDs-miR223, which is designed to interact with SIRPα, was synthesized to remodel monocytes by decreasing the uptake of oxidized LDL through the activation of CD47-SIRPα signaling. After injection, these monocytes compete for recruitment to atherosclerotic plaques, release gene drugs and mediate anti-inflammatory phenotypic remodeling of the aboriginal macrophages, effectively inhibiting the development of foam cells. Our strategy provides a new therapeutic for preventing the progression of atherosclerosis.

Novel cutting edge nano-strategies to address old long-standing complications in cardiovascular diseases. A comprehensive review

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) impact a substantial portion of the global population and represent a significant threat to experiencing life-threatening outcomes, such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, stroke and heart failure. Despite remarkable progress in pharmacology and medical interventions, CVD persists as a major public health concern, and now ranks as the primary global cause of death and the highest consumer of global budgets. Ongoing research endeavours persist in seeking novel therapeutic avenues and interventions to deepen our understanding of CVD, enhance prevention measures, and refine treatment strategies.

METHODS

Nanotechnology applied to the development of new molecular probes with diagnostic and theranostic properties represents one of the greatest technological challenges in preclinical and clinical research.

RESULTS

The application of nanotechnology in cardiovascular medicine holds great promise for advancing our understanding of CVDs and revolutionizing their diagnosis and treatment strategies, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes. In addition, the capacity of drug encapsulation in nanoparticles has significantly bolstered their biological safety, bioavailability and solubility. In combination with imaging technologies, molecular imaging has emerged as a pivotal therapeutic tool, offering insight into the molecular events underlying disease and facilitating targeted treatment approaches.

CONCLUSION

Here, we present a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements in targeted nanoparticle approaches for diagnosing CVDs, encompassing molecular imaging techniques, underscoring the significant progress in theranostic, as a novel and promising therapeutic strategy.

Coordination-Driven Self-Assembly of Metal Ion-Antisense Oligonucleotide Nanohybrids for Chronic Bacterial Infection Therapy

Bacterial infection poses a significant challenge to wound healing and skin regeneration, leading to substantial economic burdens on patients and society. Therefore, it is crucial to promptly explore and develop effective methodologies for bacterial infections. Herein, we propose a novel approach for synthesizing nanostructures based on antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) through the coordination-driven self-assembly of Zn2+ with ASO molecules. This approach aims to provide effective synergistic therapy for chronic wound infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The resulting hybrid nanoparticles successfully preserve the structural integrity and biological functionalities of ASOs, demonstrating excellent ASO encapsulation efficiency and bioaccessibility. In vitro antibacterial experiments reveal that Zn-ASO NPs exhibit antimicrobial properties against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis. This antibacterial ability is attributed to the high concentration of metal zinc ions and the generation of high levels of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, the ftsZ-ASO effectively inhibits the expression of the ftsZ gene, further enhancing the antimicrobial effect. In vivo antibacterial assays demonstrate that the Zn-ASO NPs promote optimal skin wound healing and exhibit favorable biocompatibility against S. aureus infections, resulting in a residual infected area of less than 8%. This combined antibacterial strategy, which integrates antisense gene therapy and metal-coordination-directed self-assembly, not only achieves synergistic and augmented antibacterial outcomes but also expands the horizons of ASO coordination chemistry. Moreover, it addresses the gap in the antimicrobial application of metal-coordination ASO self-assembly, thereby advancing the field of ASO-based therapeutic approaches.

Efferocytosis by macrophages in physiological and pathological conditions: regulatory pathways and molecular mechanisms

Efferocytosis is defined as the highly effective phagocytic removal of apoptotic cells (ACs) by professional or non-professional phagocytes. Tissue-resident professional phagocytes ("efferocytes"), such as macrophages, have high phagocytic capacity and are crucial to resolve inflammation and aid in homeostasis. Recently, numerous exciting discoveries have revealed divergent (and even diametrically opposite) findings regarding metabolic immune reprogramming associated with efferocytosis by macrophages. In this review, we highlight the key metabolites involved in the three phases of efferocytosis and immune reprogramming of macrophages under physiological and pathological conditions. The next decade is expected to yield further breakthroughs in the regulatory pathways and molecular mechanisms connecting immunological outcomes to metabolic cues as well as avenues for "personalized" therapeutic intervention.