Bioengineered JMJD3-PROTAC targeted epigenetic immunotherapy strategy for diabetic periodontitis

This study aimed to develop and evaluate a targeted nanotherapeutic system to degrade the nonenzymatic form of JMJD3 and thereby restore immune balance and tissue repair in diabetic periodontitis.

A pH/reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive nanoplatform (P-PLGA@MM) was engineered using diselenium-bonded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) loaded with a JMJD3-targeting proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) and camouflaged with macrophage membranes. In vitro and in vivo models of diabetic periodontitis were used to assess cellular uptake, JMJD3 degradation, anti-inflammatory efficacy, and tissue regeneration.

P-PLGA@MM exhibited macrophage-specific uptake and lysosomal escape, enabling efficient intracellular release of PROTAC. This facilitated the selective degradation of JMJD3's nonenzymatic activity through the ubiquitin proteasome pathway. In vitro, the nanoplatform suppressed macrophage M1 polarization and reduced inflammatory cytokines. In vivo, local injection of P-PLGA@MM in diabetic mice promoted collagen regeneration, reduced alveolar bone loss, and improved healing without systemic toxicity.

This study demonstrates that targeted nano-delivery of PROTAC for JMJD3 degradation effectively alleviates inflammation and promotes periodontal regeneration in diabetic periodontitis. The P-PLGA@MM system presents a promising strategy for localized epigenetic therapy in chronic inflammatory diseases.