Kim-1 Targeted Extracellular Vesicles: A New Therapeutic Platform for RNAi to Treat AKI

Background: AKI is a significant public health problem with high morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, no definitive treatment is available for AKI. RNA interference (RNAi) provides a new and potent method for gene therapy to tackle this issue.

Methods: We engineered red blood cell-derived extracellular vesicles (REVs) with targeting peptides and therapeutic siRNAs to treat experimental AKI in a mouse model after renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Phage display identified peptides that bind to the kidney injury molecule-1 (Kim-1). RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) characterized the transcriptome of ischemic kidney to explore potential therapeutic targets.

Results: REVs targeted with Kim-1-binding LTH peptide (REV) efficiently homed to and accumulated at the injured tubules in kidney after I/R injury. We identified transcription factors and that drive inflammation and fibrosis as potential therapeutic targets. Taking advantage of the established REV, siRNAs targeting and were efficiently delivered to ischemic kidney and consequently blocked the expression of P-p65 and Snai1 in tubules. Moreover, dual suppression of and significantly improved I/R- and UUO-induced kidney injury by alleviating tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis, and potently abrogated the transition to CKD.

Conclusions: A red blood cell-derived extracellular vesicle platform targeted Kim-1 in acutely injured mouse kidney and delivered siRNAs for transcription factors and , alleviating inflammation and fibrosis in the tubules.