Neutrophil-Membrane-Coated Biomineralized Metal-Organic Framework Nanoparticles for Atherosclerosis Treatment by Targeting Gene Silencing

Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are promising tools for gene silencing and have been exploited as therapeutics for human disease. However, delivery of therapeutic ASOs to diseased tissues or cells and subsequent escape from the endosomes and release of ASO in the cytosol remain a challenge. Here, we reported a neutrophil-membrane-coated zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nano-delivery platform (AM@ZIF@NM) for the targeted transportation of ASOs against microRNA-155 (anti-miRNA-155) to the endothelial cells in atherosclerotic lesions. Neutrophil membrane could improve plaque endothelial cells targeting through the interaction between neutrophil membrane protein CD18 and endothelial cell membrane protein intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). The ZIF-8 core provided high loading capacity and efficient endolysosomal escaping ability. Delivery of anti-miR-155 effectively downregulated miR-155 expression and also saved the expression of its target gene BCL6. Moreover, RELA expression and the expression of its downstream target genes CCL2 and ICAM-1 were correspondingly reduced. Consequently, this anti-miR-155 nanotherapy can inhibit the inflammation of atherosclerotic lesions and alleviate atherosclerosis. Our study shows that the designed biomimetic nanodelivery system has great application prospects in the treatment of other chronic diseases.

Automated summary

A neutrophil-membrane-coated zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nano-delivery platform was developed for targeted transportation of anti-miRNA-155 to endothelial cells in atherosclerotic lesions. The nanotherapy effectively downregulated miR-155 expression, reduced inflammation, and alleviated atherosclerosis. This biomimetic nanodelivery system holds great potential for treating other chronic diseases.