Biomimetic and Bioinspired Intervention Strategies for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects the joints and extra-articular organs and poses a significant health care problem in the modern era. Although current standard treatment modalities successfully control RA flares, no curative treatment modality for RA has been developed. Nanomedicines have addressed the drug side effects and limited efficacy of RA treatment. However, synthetic nanoparticles (NPs) can be toxic and induce immune responses in vivo, posing a risk of further RA progression. Biomimetic nanodrug delivery systems have the potential to improve the biocompatibility of synthetic NPs and the stability and targeting of pharmaceuticals in vivo. For many immune-related diseases with a complex pathogenesis and that involve a large number of different cell types, biomimetic nanodelivery systems can reduce the immunogenicity of NPs. Furthermore, some bioinspired strategies can mimic certain components of the pathological process, allowing for a more precise drug delivery and effective disease control via the carriers. This article highlights recent research on biomimetic nanodelivery systems for the treatment of RA and categorizes the design methodologies for various targets and carriers.

Automated summary

Rheumatoid arthritis is a significant healthcare problem with no curative treatment yet developed. Nanomedicines offer potential solutions, but synthetic nanoparticles may be toxic. Biomimetic nanodrug delivery systems have the potential to improve biocompatibility and reduce immunogenicity.