Work

The antifibrotic effects of a click chemistry-based albumin nanocomplex in an idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis model

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal interstitial lung disease characterized by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation and irreversible alveolar damage. Although currently available antifibrotic drugs can slow disease progression, their clinical utility is limited by systemic side effects and a lack of organ and cell specificity. Apigenin has been shown to exhibit antifibrotic properties by modulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibiting of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway. However, its poor solubility and bioavailability restrict its therapeutic application. To address these limitations, we developed an albumin-dibenzycyclooctyne-glucose/apigenin (AD-Glc/Api) nanocomplex designed for targeted delivery to fibrotic lung tissue. RESULT: Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 was lowered in the AD-Glc/Api-treated group, indicating attenuation of fibrotic activity. These imaging findings were consistent with a marked reduction in collagen deposition and a decrease in fibrosis severity (p < 0.01), as well as suppression of the TGF-β signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: AD-Glc/Api is an effective antifibrotic nanotherapeutic, with efficacy driven by improved systemic circulation and enhanced cellular uptake. This theranostic platform represents a promising strategy for improving the diagnosis and treatment of IPF.

Source: Journal of Nanobiotechnology

DOI: 10.1186/s12951-026-04413-2