Tumor Cell-Derived Exosomal Hybrid Nanosystems Loaded with Rhubarbic Acid and Tanshinone IIA for Sepsis Treatment.

Background: Sepsis continues to exert a significant impact on morbidity and mortality in clinical settings, with immunosuppression, multi-organ failure, and disruptions in gut microbiota being key features. Although rheinic acid and tanshinone IIA show promise in mitigating macrophage apoptosis in sepsis treatment, their precise targeting of macrophages remains limited. Additionally, the evaluation of intestinal flora changes following treatment, which plays a significant role in subsequent cytokine storms, has been overlooked. Leveraging the innate inflammation chemotaxis of tumor cell-derived exosomes allows for their rapid recognition and uptake by activated macrophages, facilitating phenotypic changes and harnessing anti-inflammatory effects.

Methods: We extracted exosomes from H1299 cells using a precipitation method. Then we developed a tumor cell-derived exosomal hybrid nanosystem loaded with rhubarbic acid and tanshinone IIA (R+T/Lipo/EXO) for sepsis treatment. In vitro studies, we verify the anti-inflammatory effect and the mechanism of inhibiting cell apoptosis of nano drug delivery system. The anti-inflammatory effects, safety, and modulation of intestinal microbiota by the nanoformulations were further validated in the in vivo study.

Results: Nanoformulation demonstrated enhanced macrophage internalization, reduced TNF-α expression, inhibited apoptosis, modulated intestinal flora, and alleviated immunosuppression.

Conclusion: R+T/Lipo/EXO presents a promising approach using exosomal hybrid nanosystems for treating sepsis.