Targeting the NR1D1-IGF2BP2-V-ATPase Axis With Hybrid Nanovesicles Restores Macrophage Rhythms to Reverse Sepsis-Induced Immunosuppression.

Abstract

Patients with sepsis exhibit circadian disruption and persistent immunosuppression. However, the molecular mechanisms linking them remain unclear. Integration of multi-cohort transcriptomic and single-cell datasets shows that circadian gene dysregulation in patients with sepsis and septic mice correlates with disease severity and immunosuppressive states, with monocytes/macrophages emerging as a principal affected population. Sustained endotoxin stimulation elevates the core clock repressor NR1D1 in macrophages, which occupies the Igf2bp2 promoter and suppresses its transcription. Loss of IGF2BP2 destabilizes the V-ATPase subunit transcripts Atp6v1b2 and Atp6v0c through an m⁶A-dependent mechanism, disrupting phagolysosomal acidification rhythms and pathogen clearance. siRNA-mediated NR1D1 knockdown restores IGF2BP2 expression, circadian oscillations, and phagolysosomal function during the development of endotoxin tolerance. To achieve therapeutic delivery, we engineer hybrid membrane nanovesicles (siNR1D1@HM-LNP) that reverse circadian and immune dysregulation in septic mice, enhance bacterial clearance, and markedly improve survival. These findings establish an NR1D1-mediated circadian-immune coupling mechanism and provide a therapeutic strategy for targeting sepsis-induced immunosuppression.