MCP-1 and IL-4 encapsulated hydrogel particles with macrophages enrichment and polarization capabilities for systemic lupus erythematosus treatment

Macrophages play a pivotal role in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) therapy. Efforts have been made to develop multifunctional drug delivery systems capable of directing macrophage polarization. Here, we present a novel hyaluronic acid methacrylate (HAMA) hydrogel microparticle encapsulating multiple cytokines for SLE remission though enhancing macrophage functions. The HAMA microparticles loaded with monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) were fabricated by using a microfluidic technology. The released MCP-1 facilitates the aggregation of inflammatory macrophages, after which IL-4 induces the macrophage phenotype shift from inflammatory M1 to immune-protective M2, thus restoring immune balance. We have demonstrated in MRL/lpr mice that the hydrogel microparticles could improve their efficacy of intraperitoneal drug delivery, modulate immune function, and attenuate the disease symptoms. These results suggest that our proposed microparticles delivery platform has potential clinical value for treating autoimmune diseases.