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Updated: Apr 30, 2026

Depletion and Reconstitution of Macrophages in Mice
Published on: August 1, 2012
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.
Abstract:
Periodontitis is a chronic bacterial inflammatory disease. M2 macrophage-derived exosomes (M2-exos) possess targeted immunomodulatory abilities, but their role in mitigating oxidative stress (key for periodontitis treatment) remains unclear. In this study, we engineered M2-exos loaded with indocyanine green (ICG) (ICG@M2-exos) for the treatment of periodontitis. The constructed ICG@M2-exos effectively facilitated macrophage reprogramming from the M1 to the M2 phenotype, thereby resolving chronic inflammation and enhancing periodontal tissue repair. Under near-infrared irradiation, ICG conferred potent antibacterial efficacy against Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis). Simultaneously, the exosomes released from ICG@M2-exos mitigated oxidative stress and decreased the expression of proinflammatory factors in THP-1 cells through promoting M2 polarization. In a rat model of P. gingivalis-induced periodontitis, the sustained release of ICG@M2-exos markedly expedited periodontal bone regeneration, accompanied by elevated levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Collectively, ICG-engineered M2-exos represent a promising strategy for tackling inflammatory periodontal conditions. This study demonstrates the dual advantages of ICG@M2-exos in near-infrared-responsive antibacterial activity and immunomodulation that work synergistically, laying a solid foundation for future clinical applications.
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.

