Artificial cells delivering itaconic acid induce anti-inflammatory memory-like macrophages to reverse acute liver failure and prevent reinjury

Hepatic macrophages represent a key cellular component of the liver and are essential for the progression of acute liver failure (ALF). We construct artificial apoptotic cells loaded with itaconic acid (AI-Cells), wherein the compositions of the synthetic plasma membrane and surface topology are rationally engineered. AI-Cells are predominantly localized to the liver and further transport to hepatic macrophages. Intravenous administration of AI-Cells modulates macrophage inflammation to protect the liver from acetaminophen-induced ALF. Mechanistically, AI-Cells act on caspase-1 to suppress NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated cleavage of pro-IL-1β into its active form in macrophages. Notably, AI-Cells specifically induce anti-inflammatory memory-like hepatic macrophages in ALF mice, which prevent constitutive overproduction of IL-1β when liver reinjury occurs. In light of AI-Cells’ precise delivery and training of memory-like hepatic macrophages, they offer promising therapeutic potential in reversing ALF by finely controlling inflammatory responses and orchestrating liver homeostasis, which potentially affect the treatment of various types of liver failure.