journal article·2026-07Open access

Microglia‐Targeted Biomimetic Tetrahedral Framework Nucleic Acid Nanovesicles for Synergistic Treatment of Sepsis‐Associated Encephalopathy

Huimin Shi, Qiuxia Gao, Wenying Wang, Bin Li, Yukun Chen, Zhijun Yao, Yujie Li, Junrui Li, Na Li, Gong Gu, Zhimin Hou, Mengyuan Yang, Ruilin Zhang, Hongju Yang, Yuhui Liao, Hongyi Lei

Advanced Science· Volume 13· Issue 40

Abstract

ABSTRACT Sepsis‐associated encephalopathy (SAE), the most prevalent and severe complication of sepsis, is a leading cause of long‐term cognitive deficits and increased mortality. Although anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant therapies have advanced, single‐target drugs cannot disrupt the complex inflammatory cascade in SAE. Therefore, multi‐target synergistic strategies are urgently needed. This study developed a multifunctional biomimetic nanodrug, ME@FDsi, for precise SAE therapy. The system uses a tetrahedral framework nucleic acid (tFNA) as a carrier, connected via base complementary pairing with small interfering RNA (siTNFα) to target TNF‐α. It is also loaded with disulfiram (DSF) to inhibit pyroptosis. The resulting FDsi was encapsulated in erythrocyte membrane vesicles modified with the M1 microglia‐targeting MG1 peptide. ME@FDsi exhibits a nanovesicle structure, prolonged circulation, stability, and biocompatibility. In SAE mice, it crosses the compromised blood‐brain barrier and targets M1 microglia via MG1, releasing DSF and siTNF‐α intracellularly. DSF blocks pyroptosis and IL‐1β release, while siTNFα silences TNF‐α expression. Additionally, tFNA scavenges reactive oxygen species. Together, these actions shift microglia from the M1 to the M2 phenotype. ME@FDsi treatment improved cognitive function, reduced multi‐organ damage, and increased survival in SAE mice. This multi‐mechanism synergistic approach offers a promising therapeutic strategy for clinical SAE and sepsis.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Mechanisms · Inflammasome and immune disorders · Immune Response and Inflammation

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Anesthesiology Shenzhen Clinical College (Longgang Central Hospital of Shenzhen) Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine Shenzhen Guangdong China

Institute for Engineering Medicine Kunming Medical University Kunming Yunnan China

School of Inspection Ningxia Medical University Yinchuan Ningxia China

Department of Anesthesiology Southwest Hospital Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University) Chongqing China

Institute for Engineering Medicine NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine Kunming Medical University Kunming Yunnan China

Geriatric Medical Center Division of Geriatric Gastroenterology The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University Kunming Yunnan China

Funding

Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation of Guangdong Province · Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Program · National Natural Science Foundation of China

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