Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder implicated in multiple joint affection and even disability. The activated macrophages perform a predominant role in onset and persistence of RA. Scavenger receptor (SR), one of several receptors overexpressed on the activated macrophages, is a specific biomarker for targeted therapy of numerous chronic inflammation diseases like RA. In this work, dextran sulfate-graft-methotrexate conjugate (DS-g-MTX) is synthesized and characterized, which exhibits excellent targetability to SR on the activated RAW 264.7 cells. Additionally, the enhanced accumulation and potent inflammatory inhibition are observed in the affected joint after intravenous injection of DS-g-MTX, compared to the treatment with dextran-graft-methotrexate (Dex-g-MTX), as is confirmed by the detection of histopathology and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Our work highlights DS-g-MTX as a potential therapeutic option for RA aiming the SR-expressed activated macrophages.
[1]Chinese Acad Sci, Changchun Inst Appl Chem, Key Lab Polymer Ecomat, Changchun 130022, Peoples R China.
[2]Jilin Univ, Dept Orthoped, Hosp 2, Changchun 130041, Peoples R China.
[3]Jilin Univ, Dept Orthoped, China Japan Union Hosp, Changchun 130033, Peoples R China.
[4]Jilin Univ, Hosp 1, Acad Translat Med, Inst Immunol, Changchun 130021, Peoples R China.
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