Remodeling immune microenvironment in periodontitis using resveratrol liposomes as an antibiotic-free therapeutic strategy

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is a complicated inflammatory disease that damages the tooth-supporting tissues, with limited pharmacotherapy available. Macrophage-targeting therapy is promising for inflammatory diseases. Resveratrol (RSV), a nonflavonoid polyphenol, is known for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. However, its medical application is limited by its poor stability and water-solubility, as well as its low bioavailability. RESULT: A therapeutic resveratrol-loaded liposomal system (Lipo-RSV) was developed to treat periodontitis. The physical properties of Lipo-RSV and its ability to regulate macrophages were investigated. The results showed that Lipo-RSV had good biocompatibility and could re-educate the inflammatory macrophages from M1- to M2-like phenotype through activating p-STAT3 and downregulating p-STAT1. Besides, the Lipo-RSV could scavenge ROS and inhibit the NF-κB signal and inflammasomes, thereby reducing the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. CONCLUSION: These results revealed that Lipo-RSV could be a potential therapeutic system for the antibiotic-free treatment for periodontal diseases. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: [Image: see text] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-021-01175-x.