Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026
Large-Scale Preparation of Synovial Fluid Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes by 3D Bioreactor Culture
Published on: July 26, 2022
Targeted delivery of Prussian blue modified exosomes to CD90-expressing synovial fibroblasts for Rheumatoid arthritis
Hongkai Yang1,2,3, Xinran Hu3,4, Fu Zhu2,3,5
1Department of Orthopedic, Third Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, 121000, China.
Abstract:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by synovial inflammation and joint destruction. Current therapeutic approaches face challenges such as systemic toxicity and insufficient targeting. Exosomes have emerged as novel carriers for RA treatment due to their inherent targeting capability, low immunogenicity, and efficient delivery capacity. This study aimed to construct a targeted delivery system (CD90-exo@PB) based on CD90-modified exosomes (CD90-exo) loaded with Prussian blue nanoparticles (PB) for specific therapy of RA. In vitro experiments demonstrated that CD90-exo@PB could be efficiently internalized by activated synovial fibroblasts (aFLS), significantly inhibiting aFLS migration through reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model, near-infrared fluorescence imaging revealed targeted accumulation of CD90-exo@PB in inflamed joints, accompanied by effective alleviation of joint swelling. Mechanistic studies indicated that the therapeutic efficacy was closely associated with downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The developed CD90-exo@PB system integrates active targeting with antioxidant synergistic effects, providing an innovative strategy for precision therapy of RA with significant clinical translation potential.
Insights
This study developed a targeted exosome therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The CD90-modified exosomes loaded with Prussian blue nanoparticles effectively targeted inflamed joints, reducing inflammation and joint swelling in a mouse model.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanomedicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involves synovial inflammation and joint destruction, with current treatments facing toxicity and targeting issues.
- Exosomes offer potential as RA therapeutics due to their targeting, low immunogenicity, and delivery capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a CD90-modified exosome system (CD90-exo@PB) loaded with Prussian blue nanoparticles (PB) for targeted RA therapy.
- To assess the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of CD90-exo@PB in treating rheumatoid arthritis.
Main Methods:
- Constructed CD90-modified exosomes (CD90-exo) loaded with Prussian blue nanoparticles (PB).
- Evaluated in vitro internalization by activated synovial fibroblasts (aFLS) and inhibition of migration.
- Utilized a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model for in vivo studies, including near-infrared fluorescence imaging.
Main Results:
- CD90-exo@PB demonstrated efficient internalization by aFLS and significantly inhibited their migration by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines.
- In vivo imaging confirmed targeted accumulation of CD90-exo@PB in inflamed joints of CIA mice.
- The treatment effectively alleviated joint swelling and inflammation, linked to pro-inflammatory cytokine downregulation.
Conclusions:
- The CD90-exo@PB system shows promise for targeted rheumatoid arthritis therapy.
- This system integrates active targeting and synergistic antioxidant effects for precision medicine.
- The developed nanomedicine strategy holds significant potential for clinical translation in RA treatment.
