DS-Modified Paeoniflorin pH-Responsive Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles for Targeted Macrophage Polarization in a Rat Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

PURPOSE: Macrophages play a pivotal role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis. Paeoniflorin, a traditional Chinese medication, reduces inflammation by suppressing immune cell activation and inducing synovial fibroblast apoptosis, attenuating RA disease progression. Despite the potential therapeutic benefits, free paeoniflorin has limitations, including low drug utilization, poor selectivity, and short half-life during administration. We aimed to develop and evaluate dextran sulfate-modified paeoniflorin pH-responsive lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (Pae-PPNPs-DS) for targeted macrophage delivery and improved treatment efficacy in RA. The pH sensitivity is attributed to the incorporation of poly(cyclohexane-1,4-dimethylene ketal), which undergoes hydrolysis-triggered degradation under acidic conditions enabling passive targeting to inflammatory sites through pH-dependent drug release. Simultaneously, dextran sulfate serves as a ligand to actively target Scavenger receptor class A type I overexpressed on activated macrophages in RA synovium, achieving dual-targeted delivery via environmental responsiveness and ligand-receptor interaction. METHODS: We developed dextran sulfate-modified Pae-PPNPs-DS, which exhibits dual capabilities of active macrophage targeting and pH-triggered drug release, to deliver paeoniflorin to macrophages and improve drug delivery at the joint inflammation site. Nanoparticle characterization, in vitro release behavior, stability, macrophage uptake, macrophage polarization pathway, phenotypic polarization, and therapeutic efficacy were evaluated in a rat model of RA. RESULTS: Pae-PPNPs-DS had smooth surfaces, uniform particle sizes, physical stability, and pH-responsive characteristics. RAW264.7 macrophages showed enhanced Pae-PPNPs-DS uptake. Pae-PPNPs-DS effectively modulated the STAT signaling pathway and modulated macrophage polarization. Pae-PPNPs-DS inhibited the expression of TNF-α/IL-1β/iNOS/IL-6 (pro-inflammatory and M1 markers), while promoting IL-10/Arg-1/TGF-β (anti-inflammatory and M2 markers) secretion. Pathological analysis revealed that Pae-PPNPs-DS prevented synovial tissue proliferation, inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration, and exhibited therapeutic efficacy. CONCLUSION: Pae-PPNPs-DS actively target macrophages, regulate polarization through STAT pathway, and inhibit joint inflammation, suggesting its potential in treating RA. The study highlights the potential of pH-responsive nanocarriers as an innovative approach to treating autoimmune diseases.