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Identifying Microglia and Peripheral Infiltrating Macrophages in the Injured Spinal Cords Using Flow Cytometry
Published on: June 24, 2025
Polymeric nanoparticle system to target activated microglia/macrophages in spinal cord injury
Simonetta Papa1, Raffaele Ferrari2, Massimiliano De Paola3
1IRCCS Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, via La Masa 19, 20156 Milan, Italy.
Abstract:
The possibility to control the fate of the cells responsible for secondary mechanisms following spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most relevant challenges to reduce the post traumatic degeneration of the spinal cord. In particular, microglia/macrophages associated inflammation appears to be a self-propelling mechanism which leads to progressive neurodegeneration and development of persisting pain state. In this study we analyzed the interactions between poly(methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles (PMMA-NPs) and microglia/macrophages in vitro and in vivo, characterizing the features that influence their internalization and ability to deliver drugs. The uptake mechanisms of PMMA-NPs were in-depth investigated, together with their possible toxic effects on microglia/macrophages. In addition, the possibility to deliver a mimetic drug within microglia/macrophages was characterized in vitro and in vivo. Drug-loaded polymeric NPs resulted to be a promising tool for the selective administration of pharmacological compounds in activated microglia/macrophages and thus potentially able to counteract relevant secondary inflammatory events in SCI.
Insights
Poly(methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles (PMMA-NPs) offer a promising method to deliver drugs to microglia/macrophages. This approach could reduce inflammation and neurodegeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI).
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomaterials Science
- Immunology
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) triggers secondary inflammatory mechanisms involving microglia/macrophages.
- This inflammation drives progressive neurodegeneration and chronic pain.
- Controlling these cellular responses is crucial for mitigating SCI consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between poly(methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles (PMMA-NPs) and microglia/macrophages.
- To characterize PMMA-NPs for drug delivery to these cells in vitro and in vivo.
- To assess the potential of drug-loaded PMMA-NPs in managing SCI-related inflammation.
Main Methods:
- In vitro and in vivo studies of PMMA-NPs with microglia/macrophages.
- Analysis of nanoparticle uptake mechanisms and potential toxicity.
- Evaluation of drug delivery efficacy using a mimetic drug within PMMA-NPs.
Main Results:
- PMMA-NPs were internalized by microglia/macrophages with characterized uptake mechanisms.
- No significant toxic effects of PMMA-NPs on microglia/macrophages were observed.
- Drug-loaded PMMA-NPs demonstrated effective in vitro and in vivo delivery of a mimetic drug.
Conclusions:
- Polymeric nanoparticles, specifically PMMA-NPs, are a viable tool for targeted drug delivery to activated microglia/macrophages.
- This targeted delivery holds potential for counteracting secondary inflammatory events post-SCI.
- PMMA-NPs represent a promising strategy for therapeutic interventions in spinal cord injury.
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