Irisin-Encapsulated Mitochondria-Targeted Biomimetic Nanotherapeutics for Alleviating Acute Kidney Injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the sudden decrease in renal function that can be attributed to dysregulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and impaired mitochondrial function. Irisin, a type I membrane protein secreted by skeletal muscles in response to physical activity, has been reported to alleviate kidney damage through regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism. In this study, a macrophage membrane-coated metal-organic framework (MCM@MOF) is developed as a nanocarrier for encapsulating irisin to overcome the inherent characteristics of irisin, including a short circulation time, limited kidney-targeting ability, and low membrane permeability. The engineered irisin-mediated biomimetic nanotherapeutics have extended circulation time and enhanced targeting capability toward injured kidneys due to the preservation of macrophage membrane proteins. The irisin-encapsulated biomimetic nanotherapeutics effectively mitigate acute ischemia-reperfusion injury by protecting mitochondrial function and modulating SOD2 levels in renal tubular epithelial cells. The present study provides novel insights to advance the development of irisin as a potential therapeutic approach for AKI.