Microenvironment-responsive immunoregulatory electrospun fibers for promoting nerve function recovery

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Neuroscience
• Immunology

Background:

• Current strategies for acute spinal cord injury (SCI) struggle to effectively manage the complex inflammatory environment.
• The acidic microenvironment at SCI sites presents a challenge and an opportunity for targeted therapeutic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct a pH-responsive, immunoregulation-assisted strategy for neural regeneration in acute SCI.
• To address the limitations of current SCI treatments by reconciling the immune response with nerve regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Developed pH-responsive, IL-4 plasmid-loaded liposomes integrated into electrospun fibers for triggered release in acidic SCI environments.
• Incorporated a microsol core-shell structure for sustained nerve growth factor (NGF) release.
• Implanted the developed fiber scaffolds into acute SCI rat models.

Main Results:

• The strategy effectively suppressed inflammatory cytokine release and promoted in vitro neural differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.
• In vivo implantation led to a shift in immune cell subtypes, downregulating acute inflammation and reducing scar tissue formation.
• Demonstrated promotion of angiogenesis, neural differentiation, and enhanced functional recovery in SCI rats.

Conclusions:

• The developed microenvironment-responsive immunological regulation system offers a novel approach for acute SCI treatment.
• This strategy effectively overcomes the conflict between immune response and nerve regeneration, providing a promising alternative therapy for SCI.