Fused extracellular vesicles from M2 macrophages and human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells for the targeted regulation of macrophage pyroptosis in periprosthetic osteolysis

The development of strategies for the prevention and treatment of aseptic loosening of prostheses stands as a critical area of global research interest. The pyroptosis of local macrophages triggered by wear particles plays a pivotal role in the onset of periprosthetic osteolysis and subsequent loosening. Extracellular vesicles, carrying the surface components and regulatory molecules of their parent cells, embody the cellular characteristics and biological functions of these progenitors. In a pioneering approach to precisely inhibit the pyroptosis of local macrophages induced by wear particles, we have engineered fused extracellular vesicles (fEV) from M₂ macrophages and human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells. These fEV boast the distinctive capability for targeted transport and immune evasion, collectively enhancing the anti-pyroptosis effect of the therapeutic extracellular vesicles. Our research demonstrates the targeted, significant preventive and therapeutic potential of fEVs against periprosthetic osteolysis prompted by wear particles, highlighting its crucial clinical significance and application prospects. These findings suggest that extracellular vesicle fusion technology heralds a novel paradigm in the design and development of targeted extracellular vesicle-based drug delivery systems.