DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): A critical goal in heart research is to elucidate the mechanisms that promote clinically significant atherosclerosis and then use this knowledge to design novel therapies. We believe it is essential to couple new concepts with new drug delivery strategies, and we have thus formed a unique multi‐PI team with complementary expertise in atherosclerosis and nanomedicine. The overarching concept is that plaque progression represents a pathologic process called defective inflammation resolution. The nanomedicine theme is based on the concept that encapsulation of biologics inside biodegradable, targeted polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) protects the cargo until it is delivered to atheromata and then facilitates controlled release of the biologic. We have demonstrated this principle using a peptide mediator of resolution called Ac2‐26. To move closer to human translation, we now propose iterative NP optimization, in‐depth mechanistic studies, and application to another type of biologic. The overarching hypothesis is that clinically translatable polymeric NPs packaged with various types of resolution mediators will, via specific molecular mechanisms related to cellular processes of resolution, prevent advanced plaque progression. In Aim 1, we will iteratively optimize and evaluate collagen IV (Col IV) ‐ targeted NPs for effective delivery of Ac2‐26 to atherosclerotic plaques. Modifications to NP size, charge, loading capacity, and targeting properties will be carried out to increase delivery of bioactive Ac2‐26 to atherosclerotic lesions in a manner that optimizes prevention of plaque progression. In Aim 2, we will elucidate athero‐protective mechanisms of Ac2‐26 NPs focusing on oxidative stress, collagen formation, defective efferocytosis, and inflammation. In Aim 3, we will explore the molecular‐cellular mechanisms of the pro‐resolving protective effects of IL‐10 in advanced atherosclerosis using athero‐ targeted IL‐10 NPs, which will be optimized for controlled release kinetics, optimal bioactivity, and efficacy. At the conclusion of this project, we hope t have elucidated mechanistic links between inflammation resolution and atherosclerosis while simultaneously developing nanomedicines capable of blocking plaque progress in high‐risk humans. RELEVANCE: Atherothrombotic vascular disease is the leading cause of death in the industrialized world, with global spread predicted for the future. Important mechanistic and therapeutic gaps exist in combatting this disease. This proposal will study mechanisms that promote atherosclerosis progression in a manner that is highly translatable to human therapy through the use of nanomedicine.

PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Heart disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developed nations with an enormous societal and economic burden, and dangerous atherosclerosis plaques can develop due to a maladaptive chronic inflammatory response, which ultimately leads to blood clot formation and death in the form of heart attacks. In view of the fact that only certain types of atherosclerotic lesions reach this advanced stage of clinical relevance, the overall objective of this proposal is to understand the processes that influence the formation of these dangerous atherosclerotic lesions-and to do so in a manner that has tremendous therapeutic potential. In this context, we will study the mechanisms of a fundamental protective process that goes awry in atherosclerosis-called inflammation resolution-and we will try to enhance this protective process in an effective and safe manner by using tiny delivery systems, called nanoparticles, that deliver the resolution- promoting drugs directly to the atherosclerotic plaque in a controlled manner and can dampen this out of control inflammation process to a greater extent than the body's natural defenses can manage