Neutrophil membrane-coated therapeutic liposomes for targeted treatment in acute lung injury

Acute lung injury (ALI) is one of the most common comorbidities associated with sepsis and can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome. Intense inflammatory response due to excessive activation and uncontrolled infiltration of neutrophils are the central processes in the development of sepsis-induced ALI. In this study, a biomimetic nanoplatform that is a neutrophil membrane-coated liposome-loaded acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF@NMLs), which can selectively target the inflamed lung and effectively alleviate sepsis-induced ALI via inflammation suppression, was constructed. In vitro findings revealed that aFGF@NMLs has pro-inflammatory cytokine binding capabilities and can promote cellular uptake, substantially attenuate inflammatory responses, and enhance cellular antioxidant capacity. The in vivo results show that aFGF@NMLs can specifically accumulate in injured lungs in ALI mice after intravenous injection, thereby reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inhibiting pulmonary cell apoptosis, and promoting lung function recovery. In conclusion, aFGF@NMLs demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects, mitigated the progression of ALI, and contributed to the disease prognosis. This research offers an innovative strategy and concept for the clinical treatment of diseases related to pulmonary inflammation.