Macrophages overexpressing interleukin-10 target and prevent atherosclerosis: Regression of plaque formation and reduction in necrotic core

Atherosclerosis, a slowly progressing inflammatory disease, is characterized by the presence of monocyte-derived macrophages. Interventions targeting the inflammatory characteristics of atherosclerosis hold promising potential. Although interleukin (IL)-10 is widely acknowledged for its anti-inflammatory effects, systemic administration of IL-10 has limitations due to its short half-life and significant systemic side effects. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an approach designed to overexpress IL-10 in macrophages and subsequently introduce these genetically modified cells into ApoE(-/-) mice to promote atherosclerosis regression. We engineered RAW264.7 cells to overexpress IL-10 (referred to as IL-10M) using lentivirus vectors. The IL-10M exhibited robust IL-10 secretion, maintained phagocytic function, improved mitochondrial membrane potentials, reduced superoxide production and showed a tendency toward the M2 phenotype when exposed to inflammatory stimuli. IL-10M can selectively target plaques in ApoE(-/-) mice and has the potential to reduce plaque area and necrotic core at both early and late stages of plaque progression. Moreover, there was a significant reduction in MMP9, a biomarker associated with plaque rupture, in IL-10M-treated plaques from both the early and late intervention groups. Additionally, the administration of IL-10M showed no obvious side effects. This study serves as proof that cell therapy based on anti-inflammatory macrophages might be a promising strategy for the intervention of atherosclerosis.