Inhaled siRNA nanoparticles targeting IL11 inhibit lung fibrosis and improve pulmonary function post-bleomycin challenge

Sci Adv. 2022 Jun 24;8(25):eabn7162. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.abn7162. Epub 2022 Jun 22.

Abstract

Interleukin-11 (IL-11) is a profibrotic cytokine essential for the differentiation of fibroblasts into collagen-secreting, actin alpha 2, smooth muscle-positive (ACTA2+) myofibroblasts, driving processes underlying the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Here, we developed an inhalable and mucus-penetrative nanoparticle (NP) system incorporating siRNA against IL11 (siIL11@PPGC NPs) and investigated therapeutic potential for the treatment of IPF. NPs are formulated through self-assembly of a biodegradable PLGA-PEG diblock copolymer and a self-created cationic lipid-like molecule G0-C14 to enable efficient transmucosal delivery of siIL11. Noninvasive aerosol inhalation hindered fibroblast differentiation and reduced ECM deposition via inhibition of ERK and SMAD2. Furthermore, siIL11@PPGC NPs significantly diminished fibrosis development and improved pulmonary function in a mouse model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis without inducing systemic toxicity. This work presents a versatile NP platform for the locally inhaled delivery of siRNA therapeutics and exhibits promising clinical potential in the treatment of numerous respiratory diseases, including IPF.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bleomycin
  • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis* / drug therapy
  • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis* / genetics
  • Interleukin-11 / therapeutic use
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Nanoparticles*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics

Substances

  • Interleukin-11
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Bleomycin