Targeted Repair of Spinal Cord Injury Based on miRNA-124-3p–Loaded Mesoporous Silica Camouflaged by Stem Cell Membrane Modified with Rabies Virus Glycoprotein

Spinal cord injury (SCI) presents a major therapeutic challenge due to limited axon regeneration, local inflammation, and inefficient drug delivery caused by the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB). To overcome these challenges, the researchers developed a nano complex consisting of a mesoporous silica nanoparticle core loaded with microRNA-124-3p, and a human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell membrane modified with rabies virus glycoprotein (RVG). This nano complex can effectively cross the damaged BSCB and accumulate in the injury center, releasing microRNAs that promote axon sprouting and reduce inflammation, leading to improved functional recovery in SCI mice.

• 1
  The nano complex promotes axon regrowth, modulates the local inflammatory microenvironment, and enhances functional recovery of SCI in mice, without causing treatment-related secondary injury.
• 2
  In vitro, the nano complex promotes axonal growth in neurons and M2 polarization in microglia.
• 3
  In vivo, the nano complex targets the spinal cord injury site and is taken up by neurons and microglia.