Dual-Pronged Strategy on Autoimmune Uveitis by Topical Application of Bioactive Carbon Dots from Natural Herbs.
Chu Baorui, Li Can, Wang Helei, Fang Hongkun, Liu Xianyang, Wu Chao, Cao Fan, Zeng Shuhao, Wang Yakun, Chen Xinyuan, Zhang Zhiqi, Gao Shangze, Zhang Rui, Jiang Yanyan, Li Jianqiao, Hou Shengping
Abstract
Uveitis is a leading cause of vision loss in the working-age population, yet conventional hormone therapy often comes with numerous side effects. Here, we present a noninvasive topical treatment strategy using HSCDs─a bioactive carbon dot derived from plant-based components─as eye drops for autoimmune uveitis. We developed these carbon dots with strong scavenging capacity against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) and the ability to penetrate from the ocular surface into the retina. In an experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) mouse model, this treatment demonstrated dual-pronged therapeutic effects by alleviating oxidative stress, inhibiting microglial M1 activation via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, and reducing the inflammatory reactivity of retinal vascular endothelial cells, while restoring retinal vascular homeostasis, thereby ameliorating uveitis. Additionally, a biosafety assessment confirmed that HSCDs possess favorable biocompatibility and immunological safety. Collectively, our work establishes these carbon dots as a safe and effective topical nanotherapeutic for autoimmune uveitis.
Key Findings
- Bioactive carbon dots (HSCDs) derived from natural herbs effectively scavenge reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS).
- HSCDs penetrate from the ocular surface into the retina and alleviate oxidative stress in an experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) mouse model.
- Treatment with HSCDs inhibits microglial M1 activation via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, reduces inflammatory reactivity of retinal vascular endothelial cells, and restores retinal vascular homeostasis.
- HSCDs demonstrate favorable biocompatibility and immunological safety in biosafety assessments.
Clinical Significance
This study introduces a safe and effective noninvasive topical nanotherapeutic strategy for autoimmune uveitis that targets oxidative stress and inflammation through the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, potentially providing an alternative to conventional hormone therapies with fewer side effects.
Citation
Chu Baorui, Li Can, Wang Heleiet al.. Dual-Pronged Strategy on Autoimmune Uveitis by Topical Application of Bioactive Carbon Dots from Natural Herbs. ACS nano. 2026-Mar-29.