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Carbon quantum dots as immune modulatory therapy in a Sjögren's syndrome mouse model
Cuicui Fu1,2, Xiaoyun Qin3, Wenlong Shao3
1Department of Oral Biochemistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam (UvA) and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Objectives:
The objective of the study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) in immunomodulation on non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice, as the model for Sjögren's syndrome (SS).
Methods:
Carbon quantum dots were generated from Setaria viridis via a hydrothermal process. Their toxic effects were tested by cell viability and blood chemistry analysis, meanwhile therapeutic effects were investigated in NOD mice in the aspects of saliva flow, histology, and immune cell distribution.
Results:
Carbon quantum dots, with rich surface chemistry and unique optical properties, showed non-cytotoxicity in vitro or no damage in vivo. Intravenously applied CQDs alleviated inflammation in the submandibular glands in NOD mice after 6-week treatments. The inflammatory area index and focus score were significantly decreased in CQD-treated mice. Besides, the levels of anti-SSA and anti-SSB were decreased in the presence of CQDs. The stimulated saliva flow rates and weight of submandibular glands were significantly increased in CQD-treated mice by reducing the apoptosis of cells. The CD3+ and CD4+ T cells distributed around the ducts of submandibular glands were significantly decreased, while the percentage of Foxp3+ cells was higher in CQD-treated mice than that in the control group.
Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that CQDs may ameliorate the dysregulated immune processes in NOD mice.
Insights
Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) show therapeutic potential for Sjögren's syndrome (SS) by reducing inflammation and improving salivary function in a mouse model. These findings suggest CQDs can ameliorate immune dysregulation in SS.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Immunology
- Nanomedicine
Background:
- Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by immune-mediated destruction of exocrine glands.
- Non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice serve as a relevant animal model for studying SS pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunomodulatory and therapeutic effects of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) in a mouse model of Sjögren's syndrome.
- To evaluate the impact of CQDs on salivary gland function, inflammation, and immune cell distribution in NOD mice.
Main Methods:
- CQDs were synthesized from Setaria viridis using a hydrothermal method.
- In vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo toxicity assessments were performed.
- Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated in NOD mice, measuring saliva flow, submandibular gland histology, immune cell populations, and autoantibody levels.
Main Results:
- CQDs demonstrated non-cytotoxicity in vitro and no in vivo damage.
- Treatment with CQDs significantly reduced inflammation, autoantibodies (anti-SSA, anti-SSB), and immune cell infiltration (CD3+, CD4+) in the submandibular glands of NOD mice.
- CQD administration increased saliva flow rate and submandibular gland weight by reducing apoptosis and increasing regulatory T cells (Foxp3+).
Conclusions:
- Carbon quantum dots exhibit significant therapeutic potential for ameliorating Sjögren's syndrome.
- CQDs effectively modulate immune responses and restore exocrine gland function in a preclinical model.
- These findings highlight CQDs as promising nanotherapeutics for autoimmune diseases like SS.
