Polymers inhibit inflammation and tumor metastasis caused by extracellular nucleic acids
The liberation of free nucleic acids upon cell death serves as a critical biological event,triggering aberrant responses from the immune system.This cascade of events involves the release of cytokines by immune cells,which can lead to tissue damage,instigate acute or chronic inflammatory reactions,and precipitate the onset of various diseases,some of which can be life-threatening.Addressing the management of these free nucleic acids to prevent adverse immune reactions has emerged as a pressing challenge in biomedical research.In tackling this challenge,researchers have turned to the versatile properties of polymer materials,particularly the diverse functional groups present on their surfaces.These functional groups offer opportunities for interactions with nucleic acid molecules,enabling the orchestration of their activities in vivo.Through such interactions,inflammation can be modulated,wound healing can be expedited,and the metastasis of tumors can be impeded.Consequently,the application of functional polymers has garnered significant attention as a promising avenue for the treatment of various diseases.Our research group has made notable advancements in utilizing functional polymers for nucleic acid clearance,particularly in the context of autoimmune diseases.Rheumatoid arthritis,for instance,has been effectively attenuated through the application of functionalized dendrimers,showcasing the potential of polymer-based interventions in autoimmune conditions.Moreover,to address the challenge of limited retention time of materials at affected sites,we have engineered functional polymer nanoparticles.These nanoparticles undergo surface modifications aimed at mitigating toxicity while facilitating enhanced drug loading,thereby improving their therapeutic efficacy and applicability.Expanding the scope of our research,we have also explored the application of functional polymers in the treatment of psoriasis,a chronic autoimmune skin condition.Through meticulous optimization of particle size,we have achieved promising outcomes in terms of therapeutic efficacy,further underscoring the versatility and potential of functional polymer-based interventions in autoimmune diseases.In addition to direct interactions with nucleic acids,we have developed polymer-mimicking enzymes capable of degrading free nucleic acids in vivo.In contrast to the non-specific binding observed with functional polymers,these artificial nucleic acid hydrolases offer the advantage of complete degradation of free nucleic acids with lower toxicity.This novel approach expands the repertoire of polymer-based interventions in autoimmune disease management.Turning our focus to the realm of external injuries,we have leveraged functional polymer hydrogels to expedite the healing of diabetic wounds.Additionally,functional polymer nanovesicles have demonstrated promising results in accelerating recovery from traumatic brain injuries,highlighting their potential in diverse clinical applications beyond autoimmune diseases.In the context of cancer metastasis,our research efforts have centered on impeding the binding of neutrophil extracellular traps to cancer cell surface proteins using functionalized polyamino acid nanoparticles.This intervention has effectively curtailed cancer cell skeletal deformation and migration,significantly prolonging the survival duration of animals afflicted with cancer.In conclusion,the utilization of functional polymers represents a versatile and promising approach for the treatment of various diseases,including autoimmune conditions,external injuries,and cancer metastasis.Further research endeavors should aim to refine the design and application of these polymers,harnessing their full therapeutic potential to revolutionize disease management strategies and improve patient outcomes.
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