M2 Macrophage-Derived Exosomes Inhibiting Neutrophil Extracellular Traps for Ischemic Stroke Therapy

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are highly associated with inflammatory response and vascular injury after ischemic stroke. As the primary degrader of NETs, DNase 1 is limited by easy deactivation and low efficiency of crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Here, CD206+ M2-like macrophages-derived exosomal (M2exo) system is developed for DNase 1 delivery to achieve enhanced ischemic stroke therapy. The nanoplatform can cross the BBB through transcytosis of exosomes, subsequently clearing NETs by DNase 1 to inhibit inflammatory factors release and prevent vascular injury. Moreover, M2exo induces the polarization of M1 microglia to M2 phenotype, alleviating neuroinflammation via producing anti-inflammatory cytokines. This nanoplatform exhibits significant efficiency in reducing brain infarct area, improving long-term neurologic outcomes, and promoting BBB remodeling. The mechanism for the synergistic effect from M2exo and DNase 1 is unveiled at the genetic level through transcriptome analysis. This work provides a paradigm for improving the effectiveness of ischemic stroke therapy. M2 macrophage-derived exosomes loading with DNase 1 are developed for relieving neuroinflammation after ischemic stroke. The exosomes can penetrate BBB and release the enzyme in the infarct brain. By clearing NETs through DNase 1 and promoting M2 microglia polarization through exosomes, the nanoplatform can exert a neuroprotective effect and repair damaged vessels. image