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Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor α-Targeted Cell Membrane-Camouflaged Nanotherapy Disrupts Fibrosis-Inflammation Coupling in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

delete2026-07-09
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PRE
AI
M
Min Su
R
Rongsheng Chen
Y
Yiping Chen
Z
Zhibin Chen
B
Boxuan Xu
Z
Zhixiang Lu *
W
Weihong Xu *
Y
Yuming Huang *
DOI:10.1021/acsnano.6c02887delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a primary cause of chronic low back pain. Although inflammation is a prominent feature of degenerating discs, anti-inflammatory therapies often provide limited and transient benefit, suggesting that disc degeneration is maintained by a more stable tissue-level program. We therefore hypothesized that IVDD is sustained by a fibrosis-inflammation-coupled cell state, and that effective intervention requires both disrupting fibrotic signaling and overcoming the delivery barriers imposed by the disc’s avascular, ECM-dense environment. To test this, we integrated clinical stratification, single-cell transcriptomics, and mechanical modeling to identify pathogenic nucleus pulposus (NP) cell states. Single-cell mapping revealed an expanded fibrosis-inflammation-coupled NP subpopulation in degenerated discs, characterized by the concurrent activation of ECM remodeling and inflammatory programs. Mechanical stress locked NP cells in this state, inducing persistent inflammation even after stimulus removal, suggesting that fibrosis is an upstream driver. We developed a platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα)-targeted NP membrane vesicle (NMV)-coated nanotherapeutic (NMV@PC) with a dual antifibrotic drug system. This therapy effectively suppressed profibrotic pathways, targeted fibrotic NP cells, and restored disc height and hydration in a lumbar spine instability model. NMV@PC reduced collagen deposition, inflammatory mediators, and pain-related behaviors, reprogramming degenerated discs toward a homeostatic state and overcoming structural delivery barriers.
Keywords:
Cell signaling
Inflammation
Neurophysiology
Peptides and proteins
Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Fibrosis
Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor α
Cell Membrane
Nucleus Pulposus

Journal

ACS Nano cover
ACS Nano
IF:
16
Papers:
2.6W
Citations:
25.6W

Organization

F
fujian medical university
Scholars:
2.7W
Papers: 1.3W
Citations: 13
X
xiamen university
Scholars:
5.7W
Papers: 3.7W
Citations: 67
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