Efficient Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis by Degradable LPCE Nano-Conjugate-Delivered p65 siRNA

Transcription factors in the development and treatment of immune disorders

Immune function is highly controlled at the transcriptional level by the binding of transcription factors (TFs) to promoter and enhancer elements. Several TF families play major roles in immune gene expression, including NF-κB, STAT, IRF, AP-1, NRs, and NFAT, which trigger anti-pathogen responses, promote cell differentiation, and maintain immune system homeostasis. Aberrant expression, activation, or sequence of isoforms and variants of these TFs can result in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases as well as hematological and solid tumor cancers. For this reason, TFs have become attractive drug targets, even though most were previously deemed "undruggable" due to their lack of small molecule binding pockets and the presence of intrinsically disordered regions. However, several aspects of TF structure and function can be targeted for therapeutic intervention, such as ligand-binding domains, protein-protein interactions between TFs and with cofactors, TF-DNA binding, TF stability, upstream signaling pathways, and TF expression. In this review, we provide an overview of each of the important TF families, how they function in immunity, and some related diseases they are involved in. Additionally, we discuss the ways of targeting TFs with drugs along with recent research developments in these areas and their clinical applications, followed by the advantages and disadvantages of targeting TFs for the treatment of immune disorders.

The emerging potential of siRNA nanotherapeutics in treatment of arthritis

RNA interference (RNAi) using small interfering RNA (siRNA) has shown potential as a therapeutic option for the treatment of arthritis by silencing specific genes. However, siRNA delivery faces several challenges, including stability, targeting, off-target effects, endosomal escape, immune response activation, intravascular degradation, and renal clearance. A variety of nanotherapeutics like lipidic nanoparticles, liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and solid lipid nanoparticles have been developed to improve siRNA cellular uptake, protect it from degradation, and enhance its therapeutic efficacy. Researchers are also investigating chemical modifications and bioconjugation to reduce its immunogenicity. This review discusses the potential of siRNA nanotherapeutics as a therapeutic option for various immune-mediated diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, etc. siRNA nanotherapeutics have shown an upsurge of interest and the future looks promising for such interdisciplinary approach-based modalities that combine the principles of molecular biology, nanotechnology, and formulation sciences.

Nanoparticles targeting monocytes and macrophages as diagnostic and therapeutic tools for autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases are chronic conditions that result from an inadequate immune response to self-antigens and affect many people worldwide. Their signs, symptoms, and clinical severity change throughout the course of the disease, therefore the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune diseases are major challenges. Current diagnostic tools are often invasive and tend to identify the issue at advanced stages. Moreover, the available treatments for autoimmune diseases do not typically lead to complete remission and are associated with numerous side effects upon long-term usage. A promising strategy is the use of nanoparticles that can be used as contrast agents in diagnostic imaging techniques to detect specific cells present at the inflammatory infiltrates in tissues that are not easily accessible by biopsy. In addition, NPs can be designed to deliver drugs to a cell population or tissue. Considering the significant role played by monocytes in the development of chronic inflammatory conditions and their emergence as a target for extracorporeal monitoring and precise interventions, this review focuses on recent advancements in nanoparticle-based strategies for diagnosing and treating autoimmune diseases, with a particular emphasis on targeting monocyte populations.

Targeting transcription factors for therapeutic benefit in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a destructive inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes pain and disability. Many of the currently available drugs for treating RA patients are aimed at halting the progression of the disease and alleviating inflammation. Further, some of these treatment options have drawbacks, including disease recurrence and adverse effects due to long-term use. These inefficiencies have created a need for a different approach to treating RA. Recently, the focus has shifted to direct targeting of transcription factors (TFs), as they play a vital role in the pathogenesis of RA, activating key cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, and enzymes. In light of this, synthetic drugs and natural compounds are being explored to target key TFs or their signaling pathways in RA. This review discusses the role of four key TFs in inflammation, namely NF-κB, STATs, AP-1 and IRFs, and their potential for being targeted to treat RA.

siRNA-based nanotherapeutics as emerging modalities for immune-mediated diseases: A preliminary review

Immune‐mediated diseases (IMDs) are chronic conditions that have an immune‐mediated etiology. Clinically, these diseases appear to be unrelated, but pathogenic pathways have been shown to connect them. While inflammation is a common occurrence in the body, it may either stimulate a favorable immune response to protect against harmful signals or cause illness by damaging cells and tissues. Nanomedicine has tremendous promise for regulating inflammation and treating IMIDs. Various nanoparticles coated with nanotherapeutics have been recently fabricated for effective targeted delivery to inflammatory tissues. RNA interference (RNAi) offers a tremendous genetic approach, particularly if traditional treatments are ineffective against IMDs. In cells, several signaling pathways can be suppressed by using RNAi, which blocks the expression of particular messenger RNAs. Using this molecular approach, the undesirable effects of anti‐inflammatory medications can be reduced. Still, there are many problems with using short‐interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to treat IMDs, including poor localization of the siRNAs in target tissues, unstable gene expression, and quick removal from the blood. Nanotherapeutics have been widely used in designing siRNA‐based carriers because of the restricted therapy options for IMIDs. In this review, we have discussed recent trends in the fabrication of siRNA nanodelivery systems, including lipid‐based siRNA nanocarriers, liposomes, and cationic lipids, stable nucleic acid‐lipid particles, polymeric‐based siRNA nanocarriers, polyethylenimine (PEI)‐based nanosystems, chitosan‐based nanoformulations, inorganic material‐based siRNA nanocarriers, and hybrid‐based delivery systems. We have also introduced novel siRNA‐based nanocarriers to control IMIDs, such as pulmonary inflammation, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. This study will pave the way for new avenues of research into the diagnosis and treatment of IMDs.