Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains a challenging condition to treat due to the complexity of its immune-mediated mechanisms and the side effects of current therapies. This study investigates the combination of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-exosomes) and ginsenoside Rh2 as a potential therapeutic strategy for collagen-induced arthritis.
The research focuses on the modulation of macrophage activity and pyroptosis, both of which play central roles in the inflammatory processes of RA. By combining MSC-exosomes with ginsenoside Rh2, the study found that this combination can shift macrophage polarization towards a more anti-inflammatory profile, reducing the presence of pro-inflammatory M1-like macrophages.
Additionally, the treatment suppressed pyroptosis in M1-like macrophages through the NLRP3/Caspase11/GSDMD-N pathway, a key signaling cascade involved in inflammation.
In the collagen-induced arthritis model, the MSC-exosome and Rh2 combination exhibited a synergistic effect, indicating that it may be a promising strategy for modulating the immune response in RA. These findings provide valuable insight into the potential for targeting specific pathways in inflammatory diseases, offering a more refined approach compared to traditional treatments.
The research contributes to a deeper understanding of RA pathogenesis and highlights a potential pathway for future therapeutic interventions.
