Tubule-specific protein nanocages potentiate targeted renal fibrosis therapy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Despite the dramatic advances in modern medicine, efficient therapeutic measures for renal fibrosis remain limited. Celastrol (CLT) is effective in treating renal fibrosis in rat models, while causing severe systemic toxicity. Thus, we designed a tubule-specific nanocage (K3-HBc NCs) that effectively deliver CLT to tubular epithelial cell in a virus-like manner. The targeting ligand (K3) to tubular epithelial cells was displayed on the surface of Hepatitis B core protein (HBc) NCs by genetic fusion to the major immunodominant loop region. Ultra-small CLT nanodots were subtly encapsulated into the cavity through electrostatic interaction with the disassembly and reassembly of K3-HBc NCs, to yield K3-HBc/CLT complex. The efficacy of K3-HBc/CLT NCs were demonstrated in Unil

SUBMITTER: Zhang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8157627 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature