Inhaled Pro‐Efferocytic Nanozymes Promote Resolution of Acute Lung Injury

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a significant contributor to the morbidity and mortality of sepsis. Characterized by uncontrolled inflammation and excessive inflammatory cells infiltration in lung, ALI has been exacerbated by impaired efferocytosis (clearance of apoptotic cells by macrophages). Through specific receptor recognition and activation of downstream signaling, efferocytic macrophages promote resolution of inflammation by efficiently engulfing dying cells, avoiding the consequent release of cellular inflammatory contents. Here, inspired by the intrinsic recovery mechanism of efferocytosis, an apoptotic cell membrane (ACM) coated antioxidant nanozyme (AOzyme) is engineered, thus obtaining an inhalable pro‐efferocytic nanozyme (AOzyme@ACM). Notably, AOzyme@ACM can efficiently increase apoptotic cell removal by combing enhanced macrophages recognition of “eat me” signals through apoptotic body mimicking and scavenge of intracellular excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), a significant barrier for efferocytosis. AOzyme@ACM can significantly inhibit inflammatory response, promote pro‐resolving (M2) phenotype transition of macrophage, and alleviate ALI in endotoxemia mice compared with AOzyme group. By addressing the critical factor in the pathogenesis of sepsis‐related ALI through restoring efferocytosis activity, the ACM‐based antioxidant nanozyme in this study is envisioned to provide a promising strategy to treat this complex and challenging disease. Sepsis‐related acute lung injury is exacerbated by impaired efferocytosis. Inspired by the intrinsic recovery mechanism of efferocytosis, an inhalable pro‐efferocytic nanoparticle is developed. The apoptotic body mimicking nanoparticle is constructed by antioxidant nanozyme coated with apoptotic cell membrane. Enhanced “eat‐me” signals recognition and ROS scavenging synergistically restore defective efferocytosis capacity and ameliorate inflammation.