Journal of pharmaceutical sciencesJul 17, 2026

Melanin-coated nanoparticles targeting immune cells for combined delivery of rapamycin to treat atherosclerosis

Longevity & Aging Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Jul 18, 2026

Abstract

After eight weeks of treatment, NM@HMR significantly reduced atherosclerotic plaque area and increased plaque stability.

Chronic inflammation contributes to the formation and progression of atherosclerotic plaques.
A biomimetic nanoplatform, NM@HMR, was developed to target atherosclerosis using neutrophil membranes.
Melanin and rapamycin in NM@HMR work together to inhibit inflammatory macrophage growth.
NM@HMR demonstrated improved interaction with cellular components in atherosclerotic plaques compared to uncoated controls.
In vitro tests showed NM@HMR effectively neutralized various reactive oxygen species and prevented foam cell formation.
No significant systemic toxicity was observed with NM@HMR treatment.

Simplified

Chronic inflammation establishes a persistent pathogenic microenvironment within atherosclerotic plaques. Given the central role of neutrophils in atherogenesis and their inherent inflammatory tropism, we designed a biomimetic nanoplatform (NM@HMR) for atherosclerotic management. NM@HMR was constructed by coating rapamycin-loaded hydrophilic melanin nanoparticles (HMR) with a neutrophil membrane (NM). Melanin, a potent antioxidant, acts synergistically with rapamycin to inhibit the proliferation of inflammatory macrophages, thereby exerting anti-atherosclerotic efficacy. This design preserves the natural antigenic profile and biological functions of the source cells. Compared to uncoated controls, NM@HMR exhibited enhanced interaction with multiple cellular components within atherosclerotic plaques. In vitro experiments revealed that NM@HMR effectively scavenged a broad spectrum of reactive oxygen species (ROS), suppressed macrophage proliferation, and inhibited foam cell formation. Following an eight-week in vivo administration, NM@HMR treatment markedly reduced atherosclerotic plaque area and increased plaque stability, without inducing significant systemic toxicity. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that the NM@HMR platform represents a promising, safe, and effective nanotherapeutic strategy for the atherosclerosis management.

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Funding

Competing interests

No financial or personal ties reported.

PubMed

Melanin-coated nanoparticles targeting immune cells for combined delivery of rapamycin to treat atherosclerosis

Abstract

Full Text

Funding

Competing interests

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