Orally delivered siRNA targeting macrophage Map4k4 suppresses systemic inflammation.
Gene silencing by double-stranded RNA, denoted RNA interference, represents a new paradigm for rational drug design. However, the transformative therapeutic potential of short interfering RNA (siRNA) has been stymied by a key obstacle-safe delivery to specified target cells in vivo. Macrophages are particularly attractive targets for RNA interference therapy because they promote pathogenic inflammatory responses in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease and diabetes. Here we report the engineering of beta1,3-D-glucan-encapsulated siRNA particles (GeRPs) as efficient oral delivery vehicles that potently silence genes in mouse macrophages in vitro and in vivo. Oral gavage of mice with GeRPs containing as little as 20 microg kg(-1) siRNA directed against tumour necrosis factor alpha (Tnf-alpha) depleted its messenger RNA in macrophages recovered from the peritoneum, spleen, liver and lung, and lowered serum Tnf-alpha levels. Screening with GeRPs for inflammation genes revealed that the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase 4 (Map4k4) is a previously unknown mediator of cytokine expression. Importantly, silencing Map4k4 in macrophages in vivo protected mice from lipopolysaccharide-induced lethality by inhibiting Tnf-alpha and interleukin-1beta production. This technology defines a new strategy for oral delivery of siRNA to attenuate inflammatory responses in human disease.
Aouadi
Myriam
M
Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA.
Tesz
Gregory J
GJ
Nicoloro
Sarah M
SM
Wang
Mengxi
M
Chouinard
My
M
Soto
Ernesto
E
Ostroff
Gary R
GR
Czech
Michael P
MP
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D004789:Enzyme Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D020868:Gene Silencing; D005936:Glucans / Q000378:metabolism; D007249:Inflammation / Q000235:genetics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D053583:Interleukin-1beta / Q000096:biosynthesis; D048031:JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000494:pharmacology; D020935:MAP Kinase Signaling System / Q000187:drug effects; D008264:Macrophages / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000378:metabolism; D009928:Organ Specificity; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D013379:Substrate Specificity; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism; D048051:p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D000097782:NF-kappaB-Inducing Kinase
D005936:Glucans; D053583:Interleukin-1beta; D048031:JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D016328:NF-kappa B; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D048051:p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; D000097782:NF-kappaB-Inducing Kinase