Targeted apoptosis of macrophages and osteoclasts in arthritic joints is effective against advanced inflammatory arthritis

Caifeng Deng, Quan Zhang, Penghui He, Bin Zhou, Ke He, Xun Sun, Guanghua Lei (), Tao Gong () and Zhirong Zhang
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Caifeng Deng: Sichuan University
Quan Zhang: Chengdu Medical College
Penghui He: Sichuan University
Bin Zhou: Central South University
Ke He: Central South University
Xun Sun: Sichuan University
Guanghua Lei: Central South University
Tao Gong: Sichuan University
Zhirong Zhang: Sichuan University

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-15

Abstract: Abstract Insufficient apoptosis of inflammatory macrophages and osteoclasts (OCs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) joints contributes toward the persistent progression of joint inflammation and destruction. Here, we deliver celastrol (CEL) to selectively induce apoptosis of OCs and macrophages in arthritic joints, with enzyme-responsive nanoparticles (termed PRNPs) composed of RGD modified nanoparticles (termed RNPs) covered with cleavable PEG chains. CEL-loaded PRNPs (CEL-PRNPs) dually target OCs and inflammatory macrophages derived from patients with RA via an RGD-αvβ3 integrin interaction after PEG cleavage by matrix metalloprotease 9, leading to increased apoptosis of these cells. In an adjuvant-induced arthritis rat model, PRNPs have an arthritic joint-specific distribution and CEL-PRNPs efficiently reduce the number of OCs and inflammatory macrophages within these joints. Additionally, rats with advanced arthritis go into inflammatory remission with bone erosion repair and negligible side effects after CEL-PRNPs treatment. These findings indicate potential for targeting chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in the treatment of advanced inflammatory arthritis.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22454-z

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