FAP-targeted gastrodin nanoparticles in responsive hydrogel alleviate cardiac fibrosis via fibroblast metabolic reprogramming

Ischemic heart disease, particularly myocardial infarction (MI), is a leading cause of global mortality, and the resulting myocardial fibrosis significantly impairs cardiac function, contributing to heart failure. Despite considerable efforts, effective therapeutic interventions for reversing myocardial fibrosis and restoring heart function remain elusive. Recent studies highlight the crucial role of metabolic reprogramming in the activation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and their transformation into myofibroblasts, which drive fibrosis. Gastrodin (GAS), a phenolic glycoside derived from Gastrodia elata, has demonstrated promising anti-fibrotic and metabolic regulatory effects; however, its clinical application has been limited by poor pharmacokinetic properties and lack of targeted delivery. Here, we designed an intrapericardial (iPC) injection nanocomposite hydrogel incorporating FAP-targeted CAR-T cell membrane-coated GAS nanoparticles (FAP-CAR T CM@PPA-G NPs) within a pH/ROS-responsive CP/PCPD hydrogel. This innovative system achieves specific targeting of FAP-positive myofibroblasts, on-demand release of GAS triggered by pathological ROS and pH changes, and effective inhibition of fibrosis by modulating the KLF2/CREB5/HIF-1α/PFKFB3 metabolic axis. Our findings not only provide a novel therapeutic platform for post-MI fibrosis treatment but also elucidate the mechanistic basis of GAS's anti-fibrotic effects. This strategy offers significant promise for advancing the clinical translation of GAS-based therapies for myocardial fibrosis and heart failure.