Gene

Cell biology

Biology

Myofibroblast

Fibrosis

Cancer research

Biochemistry

Transfection

Cystic fibrosis

Cationic liposome

In vitro

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Internal medicine

Pulmonary fibrosis

Chemotherapy

Medicine

Chemistry

Bleomycin

Fibroblast

Lung

Pathology

Science Advances

Interleukin-11 (IL-11) is a profibrotic cytokine essential for the differentiation of fibroblasts into collagen-secreting, actin alpha 2, smooth muscle–positive (ACTA2 + ) myofibroblasts, driving processes underlying the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Here, we developed an inhalable and mucus-penetrative nanoparticle (NP) system incorporating siRNA against IL11 (si IL11 @PPGC NPs) and investigated therapeutic potential for the treatment of IPF. NPs are formulated through self-assembly of a biodegradable PLGA-PEG diblock copolymer and a self-created cationic lipid-like molecule G0-C14 to enable efficient transmucosal delivery of si IL11 . Noninvasive aerosol inhalation hindered fibroblast differentiation and reduced ECM deposition via inhibition of ERK and SMAD2. Furthermore, si IL11 @PPGC NPs significantly diminished fibrosis development and improved pulmonary function in a mouse model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis without inducing systemic toxicity. This work presents a versatile NP platform for the locally inhaled delivery of siRNA therapeutics and exhibits promising clinical potential in the treatment of numerous respiratory diseases, including IPF.

Inhaled siRNA nanoparticles targeting <i>IL11</i> inhibit lung fibrosis and improve pulmonary function post-bleomycin challenge

Inhaled siRNA nanoparticles targeting IL11 inhibit lung fibrosis and improve pulmonary function post-bleomycin challenge