CD44-targeting hyaluronic acid-selenium nanoparticles boost functional recovery following spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to severe disability. Current treatments are palliative and don't offer substantial functional recovery. New strategies are needed to address SCI pathophysiology. The secondary injury comprises various pathological events, such as the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the occurrence of inflammation. Overproduction of ROS at the injury site leads to damage and neuronal cell death. HA-Se NPs achieved superior neuroprotection and enhanced functional recovery in a rat model of SCI. Therefore, we believe that CD44-targeting HA-Se NPs represent a viable therapeutic option for the treatment of SCI.

• 1
  HA-Se NPs were easily prepared through direct reduction of seleninic acid in the presence of HA and exhibited a remarkable capacity to eliminate free radicals.
• 2
  HA-Se NPs could effectively accumulate within the lesion site through CD44 targeting, leading to enhanced functional recovery in a rat model of SCI.
• 3
  HA-Se NPs demonstrated superior protection of axons and neurons within the injury site.