In vivo self-assembled siRNA as a modality for combination therapy of ulcerative colitis

Xinyan Zhou, Mengchao Yu, Luzhen Ma, Jinyu Fu, Jingwei Guo, Jieqiong Lei, Zheng Fu, Yong Fu, Qipeng Zhang (), Chen-Yu Zhang () and Xi Chen ()
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Xinyan Zhou: Nanjing University
Mengchao Yu: Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University
Luzhen Ma: Nanjing University
Jinyu Fu: Nanjing University
Jingwei Guo: Nanjing University
Jieqiong Lei: Nanjing University
Zheng Fu: Nanjing University
Yong Fu: Nanjing University
Qipeng Zhang: Nanjing University
Chen-Yu Zhang: Nanjing University
Xi Chen: Nanjing University

Nature Communications, 2022, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-23

Abstract: Abstract Given the complex nature of ulcerative colitis, combination therapy targeting multiple pathogenic genes and pathways of ulcerative colitis may be required. Unfortunately, current therapeutic strategies are usually based on independent chemical compounds or monoclonal antibodies, and the full potential of combination therapy has not yet been realized for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Here, we develop a synthetic biology strategy that integrates the naturally existing circulating system of small extracellular vesicles with artificial genetic circuits to reprogram the liver of male mice to self-assemble multiple siRNAs into secretory small extracellular vesicles and facilitate in vivo delivery siRNAs through circulating small extracellular vesicles for the combination therapy of mouse models of ulcerative colitis. Particularly, repeated injection of the multi-targeted genetic circuit designed for simultaneous inhibition of TNF-α, B7-1 and integrin α4 rapidly relieves intestinal inflammation and exerts a synergistic therapeutic effect against ulcerative colitis through suppressing the pro-inflammatory cascade in colonic macrophages, inhibiting the costimulatory signal to T cells and blocking T cell homing to sites of inflammation. More importantly, we design an AAV-driven genetic circuit to induce substantial and lasting inhibition of TNF-α, B7-1 and integrin α4 through only a single injection. Overall, this study establishes a feasible combination therapeutic strategy for ulcerative colitis, which may offer an alternative to conventional biological therapies requiring two or more independent compounds or antibodies.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33436-0

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