ASPA

ASPA (also referred to as ASPA NPs) is an experimental, pH-responsive, and charge-reversible nanoparticle system designed for the treatment of atherosclerosis. It is a multi-component delivery vehicle composed of gold nanoparticles (Au) and polyethylenimine (PEI) that serves as a carrier for two primary therapeutic agents: a short hairpin RNA targeting Siglec-1 (shSiglec-1) and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). The system is engineered to release its cargo specifically within the acidic atherosclerotic immune microenvironment (AIM). The shSiglec-1 component functions by silencing the expression of Siglec-1 (CD169) on macrophages, which disrupts the interaction between macrophages and CD8+ T/NKT cells, thereby reducing immune cell infiltration. Concurrently, the released acetylsalicylic acid inhibits lipid accumulation and suppresses the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophages. This dual mechanism aims to reshape the pro-inflammatory 'hot' plaque environment into a stable 'cold' state, providing a novel strategy for atherosclerosis immunotherapy.

Other names

Au-PEI/shSiglec-1/PEI-acetylsalicylic acidAu-PEI/shSiglec-1/PEI-ASA