Biomimetic virus-based soft niche for ischemic diseases

The essential therapeutic cues provided by a nanofibrous arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-engineered M13 phage were exploited as extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimicking niches, contributing to de novo soft tissue niche engineering. The interplay of biomimetic phage cues with surrounding organ tissues was identified, and cells were implanted between tissues to achieve an appropriate soft tissue niche that enables the proper functioning of the implanted stem cells at the injured site. With the polyacrylamide (PA) hydrogel mimicking the soft tissue organ stiffness ranges, it was found that biochemical and topological cues in conjunction with the ∼1–2 kPa elastic and mechanical cues of engineered phage nanofibers in soft tissues efficiently enhance the desired response of implanted stem cells. This phage cue with angiogenic and antioxidant functions overcomes the pathological environment to support implanted cells and surrounding soft tissues at the ischemic site, thereby successfully decreasing myogenic degeneration, minimizing fibrosis, and enhancing blood vessel regeneration with M2 macrophage polarization by improving the survival of the implanted endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) in an ischemic mouse model. These biomimetic phage nanofiber cues are considerably supportive of cell therapy, as they establish promising therapeutic extracellular de novo soft tissue niches for curing ischemic diseases. •Extracellular matrix-mimicking RGD-engineered nanofibrous M13 virus.•Novel therapeutic cue in de novo soft tissue niche against ischemic diseases.•Improved response of implanted stem cells with virus nanofibers.•Stem cells within the phage cue overcome harsh pathological environment of ischemic diseases.