Targeting of NLRP3 inflammasome with gene editing for the amelioration of inflammatory diseases.

Xu, Congfei; Lu, Zidong; Luo, Yingli; Liu, Yang; Cao, Zhiting; Shen, Song; Li, Hongjun; Liu, Jing et al. · Nat Commun · 2018

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The NLRP3 inflammasome is a well-studied target for the treatment of multiple inflammatory diseases, but how to promote the current therapeutics remains a large challenge. CRISPR/Cas9, as a gene editing tool, allows for direct ablation of NLRP3 at the genomic level. In this study, we screen an optimized cationic lipid-assisted nanoparticle (CLAN) to deliver Cas9 mRNA (mCas9) and guide RNA (gRNA) into macrophages. By using CLAN encapsulating mCas9 and gRNA-targeting NLRP3 (gNLRP3) (CLAN<sub>mCas9/gNLRP3</sub>), we disrupt NLRP3 of macrophages, inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in response to diverse stimuli. After intravenous injection, CLAN<sub>mCas9/gNLRP3</sub> mitigates acute inflammation of LPS-induced septic shock and monosodium urate crystal (MSU)-induced peritonitis. In addition, CLAN<sub>mCas9/gNLRP3</sub> treatment improves insulin sensitivity and reduces adipose inflammation of high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced type 2 diabetes (T2D). Thus, our study provides a promising strategy for treating NLRP3-dependent inflammatory diseases and provides a carrier for delivering CRISPR/Cas9 into macrophages.

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