HClO-triggered interventional probe enabled early detection and intervention of atherosclerosis

Foam cell formation and further accumulation in the subendothelial space of the vascular wall is a hallmark of early atherosclerosis (AS). Targeting foam cell formation can be a promising approach for the early detection and prevention of AS. However, only a few studies have actually examined foam cells in vivo, and most methods combined nanotechnology with angiography, which is complex and could cause further damage to the endothelium. Herein, based on methylene blue, a biosafe NIR dye approved by the FDA, an interventional probe (HMB-NA@Mp) triggered by hypochlorous acid (HClO) was designed for imaging foam cells easily, safely, and effectively in the early stage of AS. Here, encapsulation of the probe by foam cells targeted platelet membrane (Mp) increased probe targeting and reduced toxicity. Cell and animal experimental results showed that the probe could accumulate at the lesion site and significantly enhance fluorescence in the early AS model group. Remarkably, at the same time, it could also release the metabolite niacin, which played a role in inhibiting atherosclerosis. Thus, HMB-NA@Mp is expected to be a powerful means for the early detection and timely intervention of early AS in the absence of clinical symptoms.