Inhalable porous PLGA microparticles co-encapsulating TLR7-agonist liposomes with TGF-β siRNA-loaded LNPs for IPF therapy
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by irreversible lung fibrosis driven by immune dysregulation, particularly excessive pro-fibrotic M2 macrophage polarization. Current therapies, including pirfenidone and nintedanib, provide limited effectiveness as they do not fully address fibrosis progression or immune imbalance. Therefore, novel strategies targeting immune modulation and fibrosis inhibition are necessary. This study developed inhalable porous poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles encapsulating TLR7-agonist-loaded liposomes and TGF-β siRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). TLR7 agonists induce macrophage reprogramming from pro-fibrotic M2 to anti-fibrotic M1, restoring immune balance. Concurrently, TGF-β-targeted siRNA-loaded LNPs inhibit fibrosis-related signaling. Porous PLGA microparticles fabricated via double emulsion with ammonium bicarbonate achieved optimal aerodynamic properties (MMAD ~ 4.3 µm). Encapsulated liposomes and nanoparticles exhibited suitable size (~100 nm), stability, effective macrophage targeting, and minimal cytotoxicity. In vitro studies confirmed significant macrophage phenotype reprogramming toward the anti-fibrotic M1 phenotype. This inhalable system demonstrates potential as a therapeutic approach simultaneously targeting immune dysregulation and fibrosis progression, enhancing IPF treatment outcomes.
2025 Spring Convention