Work

Cationic liposomes encapsulating IL-2 selectively induce apoptosis and significantly reduce the secretion of cytokines on M1-murine polarized macrophages

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Inflammatory diseases pose a global challenge due to the critical role of macrophages in their pathogenesis. This study evaluated the effects of cationic liposomes encapsulating IL-2 (LIP-IL-2) on murine peritoneal macrophages (MP) polarized towards M1 and M2 phenotypes. M1 MP (CD86 + ), which overexpressed IL-2Rα and CD14 receptors, underwent apoptosis following LIP-IL-2 treatment, whereas M2 MP (CD206 + ) were unaffected. Furthermore, LIP-IL-2 significantly reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-12, exclusively in M1 macrophages. These findings suggest that LIP-IL-2 could serve as a promising therapeutic tool for chronic inflammatory diseases by selectively inducing apoptosis in pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages without affecting M2 ones, opening avenues for targeted therapies in diseases where chronic macrophage-mediated inflammation is a key factor. • LIP-IL-2 treatment selectively induces apoptosis in M1 macrophages. • Reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. • Potential for chronic inflammatory diseases.

Source: Cytokine

DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2025.156903

Authors: C.A. Vargas-Ángeles, L. Trujillo-Cirilo, E. Sierra-Mondragón, R. Rangel-Corona, B. Weiss-Steider

Institution: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Language: English

Topic: Immune cells in cancer

Subfield: Immunology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,220