Targeted Atherosclerosis Treatment Using Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 Targeting Peptide-Engineered Plant-Derived Extracellular Vesicles.

ABSTRACT: Atherosclerosis is a chronic vascular disease characterized by lipid accumulation, endothelial dysfunction, and persistent inflammation, which can ultimately lead to life-threatening complications, such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Current therapies primarily focus on lowering cholesterol levels or preventing blood clot formation. However, the multifactorial and dynamic nature of atherosclerotic progression is not addressed. We designed a therapeutic platform based on onion-derived extracellular vesicles (Onex), nanovesicles originating from onions with excellent biocompatibility and strong anti-inflammatory effects. Onex was engineered with the VHPK peptide, to construct V-Onex, specifically targeting vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), which is strongly upregulated in inf

SUBMITTER: Choi C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12470028 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature