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Updated: Feb 15, 2026

Isolation of Murine Lymph Node Stromal Cells
Published on: August 19, 2014
Lymph nodes-targeted nano-prodrug for precise B cell immunoregulation to prevent collagen-induced arthritis
Ning Li1, Wenlong Huang2, Zhaoshun Wu1
1Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 725 Wan-Ping South Road, Shanghai 200032, China; Spine Institute, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 725 Wan-Ping South Road, Shanghai 200032, China.
Abstract:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease marked by progressive joint destruction and deformities, which are irreversible once they develop. If the disease can be prevented in the preclinical stage, it may significantly reduce the rate of RA incidence and disability. However, insufficient attention has been paid to RA prevention. Herein, we proposed a nano-prodrug delivery (HC-IBR) to modulate the B cell immune response in lymph nodes (LNs) during the preclinical phase of RA. The HC-IBR was constructed by self-assembly of hyaluronic acid (HA) bearing cyanine7 (Cy7) and bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib (IBR). The HC-IBR effectively targeted and specifically accumulated in LNs and further controlled IBR drug release under light irradiation. HC-IBR plus laser exhibited better efficiency in inhibition of antigen-presenting B cell and germinal center to control the development of joint inflammation in mice with collagen induced arthritis. This study provides a potential novel strategy for RA prevention by precise and localized B cell immunoregulation.
Insights
Preventing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in its early stages is crucial. A new nano-prodrug (HC-IBR) targets B cells in lymph nodes, offering a potential strategy for RA prevention and reducing joint inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nanotechnology
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease causing irreversible joint destruction.
- Early prevention of RA could significantly reduce incidence and disability.
- Current RA prevention strategies lack sufficient focus on preclinical intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel nano-prodrug delivery system (HC-IBR) for preclinical RA intervention.
- To modulate B cell immune responses in lymph nodes (LNs) during the preclinical phase of RA.
- To investigate the efficacy of HC-IBR in controlling joint inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Constructed HC-IBR via self-assembly of hyaluronic acid (HA) with cyanine7 (Cy7) and ibrutinib (IBR).
- Evaluated HC-IBR targeting and accumulation in LNs.
- Assessed light-controlled drug release and inhibition of B cell activity in a collagen-induced arthritis mouse model.
Main Results:
- HC-IBR demonstrated effective targeting and accumulation in LNs.
- Light irradiation controlled the release of IBR from HC-IBR.
- HC-IBR combined with laser therapy significantly inhibited antigen-presenting B cells and germinal centers.
- This approach effectively controlled joint inflammation in mice with collagen-induced arthritis.
Conclusions:
- HC-IBR provides a precise and localized B cell immunoregulation strategy for RA prevention.
- This nano-prodrug delivery system shows potential for preclinical intervention in rheumatoid arthritis.
- Targeting B cell immune responses in LNs is a promising avenue for RA prevention.
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