NIR-Activated ICG-Loaded M2 Macrophage Exosomes Ameliorate Periodontitis via Targeting Infection Inflammation and

Xincong Li1, Xin Fu1, Tianyu Zhang1

  • 1Department of Stomatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, P.R. China.

Insights

Engineered exosomes carrying indocyanine green (ICG@M2-exos) treat periodontitis by reducing inflammation and promoting bone repair. This novel therapy combines antibacterial effects with immune modulation for enhanced periodontal treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Immunology
  • Periodontology

Background:

  • Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease driven by bacteria.
  • M2 macrophage-derived exosomes (M2-exos) show immunomodulatory potential.
  • The role of M2-exos in mitigating oxidative stress for periodontitis treatment is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To engineer indocyanine green (ICG)-loaded M2-exos (ICG@M2-exos) for periodontitis treatment.
  • To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of ICG@M2-exos in resolving inflammation and promoting periodontal tissue repair.

Main Methods:

  • Engineered M2-exos loaded with ICG.
  • Assessed macrophage reprogramming (M1 to M2 phenotype).
  • Evaluated antibacterial activity against Porphyromonas gingivalis under near-infrared irradiation.
  • Tested efficacy in a rat model of P. gingivalis-induced periodontitis.

Main Results:

  • ICG@M2-exos effectively reprogrammed macrophages, resolving inflammation and enhancing tissue repair.
  • ICG demonstrated potent antibacterial effects against P. gingivalis under near-infrared irradiation.
  • Exosomes mitigated oxidative stress and reduced pro-inflammatory factors by promoting M2 polarization.
  • In vivo studies showed expedited periodontal bone regeneration and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Conclusions:

  • ICG-engineered M2-exos offer a dual therapeutic strategy for periodontitis.
  • The therapy combines near-infrared-responsive antibacterial activity with immunomodulation.
  • ICG@M2-exos show significant promise for clinical applications in treating inflammatory periodontal diseases.