Targeted transplantation of engineered mitochondrial compound promotes functional recovery after spinal cord injury by enhancing macrophage phagocytosis

This study explores mitochondrial transplantation as a therapy for spinal cord injury (SCI). It focuses on delivering modified mitochondria to macrophages, a type of immune cell, at the injury site. The researchers created a special mitochondrial compound that targets macrophages in the injured spinal cord. This compound helps macrophages clear away damaged myelin, reduces inflammation, and supports tissue repair. The results showed that this approach improved tissue regeneration and functional recovery in mice with SCI, suggesting it could be a promising treatment for SCI in humans.

• 1
  Engineered mitochondrial compounds (Mito-Tpp-CAQK) significantly enhanced macrophage phagocytosis of myelin debris both in vitro and in vivo.
• 2
  Mito-Tpp-CAQK alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction and reduced pro-inflammatory responses in macrophages following phagocytosis of myelin debris.
• 3
  Intravenous transplantation of Mito-Tpp-CAQK promoted tissue repair and functional recovery after spinal cord injury in mice, including improved motor function and bladder control.