Pulmonary fibroblast-specific delivery of siRNA exploiting exosomes-based nanoscaffolds for IPF treatment

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive pulmonary disease that leads to interstitial inflammation, lung damage, and eventually life-threatening complications. Among various pathologic factors, Smad4 is a pivotal molecule involved in the progression and exacerbation of IPF. It mediates nuclear transfer of Smad2/Smad3 complexes and initiates the transcription of fibrosis-promoting genes. Thus, the inhibition of Smad4 expression in pulmonary fibroblasts by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) might be a promising therapeutic strategy for IPF. Herein, we engineered exosome membranes (EM) by cationic lipid (i.e., DOTAP) to load siRNAs against Smad4 (DOTAP/siSmad4@EM), and investigated their specific delivery to pulmonary fibroblasts for treating IPF in a mouse model via pulmonary administration. As reference nanoscaffolds, undecorated DOTAP/siSmad4 complexes (lipoplexes, consisting of cationic lipid DOTAP and siRNAs) and siSmad4-loaded lipid nanoparticles (DOTAP/siSmad4@lipo, consisting of lipoplexes fused with DPPCChol liposomes) were also prepared. The results showed that DOTAP/siSmad4@EM exhibited a higher cellular uptake and gene silencing efficacies in mouse pulmonary fibroblasts (viz., MLg2908) as compared to the two reference nanoscaffolds. Furthermore, the outcomes of the in vivo experiments illustrated that DOTAP/siSmad4@EM could significantly down-regulate the Smad4 expression with augmented anti-fibrosis efficiency. Additionally, the DOTAP/siSmad4@EM conferred excellent biocompatibility with low cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and proinflammatory responses in the pulmonary area. Taken together, the outcomes of our investigation imply that specific inhibition of Smad4 expression in pulmonary fibroblasts by pulmonary administrated DOTAP/siSmad4@EM is a promising therapeutic strategy for IPF, which could safely and effectively deliver siRNA drugs to the targeted site of action.