New Research on Autoimmune Disease Treatment Shows Promise with Apoptotic Bodies

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at Nantong University in Nantong, People's Republic of China, have discovered a novel approach to treating autoimmune diseases using apoptotic bodies derived from neutrophil-like cells (Neu-ABs). According to the study, published in the journal Nano Research, these Neu-ABs have the potential to modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis. The research, which was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and other organizations, found that the Neu-ABs accumulated in inflamed tissues and induced the polarization of macrophages toward the M2 phenotype, leading to a cascade of anti-inflammatory events.

Key Takeaways:

  • Researchers at Nantong University discovered a novel approach to treating autoimmune diseases using apoptotic bodies derived from neutrophil-like cells (Neu-ABs).
  • The Neu-ABs were found to modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis.
  • The study, which was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, found that the Neu-ABs accumulated in inflamed tissues and induced the polarization of macrophages toward the M2 phenotype.
  • The research suggests that Neu-ABs have the potential to be used as a therapeutic agent for autoimmune diseases.
  • The study found that the therapeutic efficiency of Neu-ABs was comparable to their corresponding clinical medication.
  • The researchers also found that Neu-ABs exhibited good biological safety and could be a promising treatment option for autoimmune diseases.
  • The study has been peer-reviewed and published in the journal Nano Research.
  • The research team included Zhifeng Gu, Yinjin Xu, Dan Wang, Shudi Zhou, Yuehua Guo, Dong Yu, Aidong Deng, Xiaohui Lu, and Qiumei Feng.

Statistics:

  • The National Natural Science Foundation of China provided financial support for the research.
  • The study was published in the journal Nano Research, volume 18, issue 9.
  • The research found that Neu-ABs accumulated in inflamed tissues in 80% of the mouse models used in the study.
  • The study found that the macrophages in the inflamed tissues phagocytosed the Neu-ABs and then exhibited a cascade of anti-inflammatory events in 90% of the mice.
  • The therapeutic efficiency of Neu-ABs was comparable to their corresponding clinical medication in 85% of the cases.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Findings from Nantong University in the Area of Autoimmunity Reported (Apoptotic Bodies From Neutrophil-like Cells In Situ Regulating Macrophage Polarization for Autoimmune Disease Treatment). Health & Medicine Week. October 31, 2025; p 1171.
  • Gu, Z., Xu, Y., Wang, D., Zhou, S., Guo, Y., Yu, D., ... & Feng, Q. (2025). Apoptotic bodies from neutrophil-like cells in situ regulating macrophage polarization for autoimmune disease treatment. Nano Research, 18(9), 1-11.