Platelet-derived extracellular vesicles to target plaque inflammation for effective anti-atherosclerotic therapy

Atherosclerosis is a kind of chronic inflammatory diseases characterized by dysfunction of local immune responses. Here we engineer platelet-derived extracellular vesicles (PEVs) to load MCC950, an NLRP3-inflammasome inhibitor, for atherosclerosis-targeted therapy. PEVs which are readily collected from the activated platelets selectively bind multiple cell types associated with the formation of atherosclerotic plaque in vivo. Intravenous administration of MCC950-PEVs could significantly reduce the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, lower the local inflammation and inhibit proliferation of macrophages and T cells at the plaque site compared with free drug administration in ApoE-KO mice. Our strategy suggests the promise of PEVs for targeted drug delivery for treatment of atherosclerosis.

Automated summary

Engineering platelet-derived extracellular vesicles (PEVs) to load MCC950, an NLRP3-inflammasome inhibitor, for atherosclerosis-targeted therapy can significantly reduce plaque formation, lower local inflammation, and inhibit proliferation of macrophages and T cells at the plaque site compared with free drug administration. This strategy indicates the promising potential of PEVs for targeted drug delivery in atherosclerosis treatment.