Inhibition of cGAS-STING Pathway via an Endogenous Copper Ion-Responsive Covalent Organic Framework Nanozyme for Alzheimer's Disease Treatment

Abstract

Inhibition of cGAS-STING overactivation has recently emerged as a promising strategy to counteract Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, current cGAS-STING inhibitors as immunosuppressants suffer from instability, non-specific targeting, and innate immune disruption. Here, an endogenous AD brain copper ion-responsive covalent organic framework (COF)-based nanozyme (denoted as TP@PB-COF@NADH) has been designed for targeted inhibition of the cGAS-STING pathway for AD treatment. The effective trapping of excess brain endogenous copper ions by TP@PB-COF@NADH not only inhibits the Cu2+-induced harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) production which is one of the mediators of cGAS-STING activation, but also activates the nanozyme activity of TP@PB-COF@NADH. Furthermore, the well-prepared nanozyme catalytically generates NAD+ and consumes hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) through second near-infrared (NIR-II) enhanced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) peroxidase (NPX)-like activity, realizing the efficient inhibition of the cGAS-STING pathway and associated neuroinflammation. Moreover, replenishing NAD+ levels efficiently restores mitochondrial function and ATP supply. In vivo studies demonstrate that TP@PB-COF@NADH with NIR-II irradiation significantly improves cognitive function in 3×Tg-AD mice, with a reduction in amyloid-β (Aβ) plaque, neuroinflammation and neuronal damage. Collectively, this work presents a promising approach for AD treatment by using an AD brain harmful excess endogenous copper ion-responsive and efficient nanozyme.