Genetically engineered electrospinning contributes to spinal cord injury repair by regulating the immune microenvironment

Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol., 2024 · DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1415527 · Published: June 12, 2024

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to an imbalance in the local tissue environment, hindering nerve regeneration and recovery. This study introduces a genetically engineered electrospun scaffold (GEES) designed to deliver interleukin-10 plasmid (pIL10) and nerve growth factor (NGF) to the injury site. GEES aims to regulate the immune response and promote nerve repair by releasing anti-inflammatory cytokines and facilitating nerve cell differentiation.

Study Duration

30 days release study

Participants

Female SD rats (approximately 220 g)

Evidence Level

In vitro and in vivo study

Key Findings

1
GEES effectively stimulates macrophages to secrete anti-inflammatory cytokines, promoting a favorable microenvironment.
2
GEES significantly inhibits the inflammatory response in both acute and chronic phases of SCI in rats.
3
The addition of NGF to GEES effectively promotes nerve tissue repair and regeneration, improving motor function in rats after SCI.

Research Summary

This study developed a genetically engineered electrospun scaffold (GEES) to address the imbalance of the immune microenvironment after spinal cord injury (SCI). The GEES design facilitates the controlled release of pIL10-LNP and NGF, promoting anti-inflammatory responses and nerve tissue repair. In vivo results demonstrated that GEES could safely and effectively inhibit the inflammatory response and promote nerve tissue repair after SCI, providing a new option for tissue-engineered scaffold treatment of SCI.

Practical Implications

Immunoregulation

The genetically engineered scaffold promotes M2 macrophage polarization and secretion of anti-inflammatory factors, creating a favorable microenvironment for nerve regeneration.

Nerve Repair

Sustained release of NGF promotes differentiation of neural stem cells into neurons and axonal growth, aiding in nerve tissue repair.

Clinical Translation

The GEES system offers a new strategy for combined gene and drug therapy for spinal cord injury, with potential for improved patient outcomes.

Study Limitations

1
Long-term effects of GEES need further investigation
2
Specific mechanisms of NGF-mediated nerve repair require further elucidation
3
Translation from rat model to human clinical trials requires careful consideration

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