A nanotrap improves survival in severe sepsis by attenuating hyperinflammation

Nat Commun. 2020 Jul 7;11(1):3384. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-17153-0.

Abstract

Targeting single mediators has failed to reduce the mortality of sepsis. We developed a telodendrimer (TD) nanotrap (NT) to capture various biomolecules via multivalent, hybrid and synergistic interactions. Here, we report that the immobilization of TD-NTs in size-exclusive hydrogel resins simultaneously adsorbs septic molecules, e.g. lipopolysaccharides (LPS), cytokines and damage- or pathogen-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs/PAMPs) from blood with high efficiency (92-99%). Distinct surface charges displayed on the majority of pro-inflammatory cytokines (negative) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (positive) allow for the selective capture via TD NTs with different charge moieties. The efficacy of NT therapies in murine sepsis is both time-dependent and charge-dependent. The combination of the optimized NT therapy with a moderate antibiotic treatment results in a 100% survival in severe septic mice by controlling both infection and hyperinflammation, whereas survival are only 50-60% with the individual therapies. Cytokine analysis, inflammatory gene activation and tissue histopathology strongly support the survival benefits of treatments.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adsorption
  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Dendrimers / chemistry*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrogels
  • Inflammation / therapy*
  • Lipopolysaccharides / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Nanomedicine
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Pathogen-Associated Molecular Pattern Molecules
  • RAW 264.7 Cells
  • Sepsis / therapy*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Cytokines
  • Dendrimers
  • Hydrogels
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • Pathogen-Associated Molecular Pattern Molecules