Selective NLRP3 Inflammasome Inhibitor MCC950 Suppresses Inflammation and Facilitates Healing in Vascular Materials

Abstract

Minimally invasive interventions using drug‐eluting stents or balloons are a first‐line treatment for certain occlusive cardiovascular diseases, but the major long‐term cause of failure is neointimal hyperplasia (NIH). The drugs eluted from these devices are non‐specific anti‐proliferative drugs, such as paclitaxel (PTX) or sirolimus (SMS), which do not address the underlying inflammation. MCC950 is a selective inhibitor of the NLRP3‐inflammasome, which drives sterile inflammation commonly observed in NIH. Additionally, in contrast to broad‐spectrum anti‐inflammatory drugs, MCC950 does not compromise global immune function due this selective activity. In this study, MCC950 is found to not impact the viability, integrity, or function of human coronary endothelial cells, in contrast to the non‐specific anti‐proliferative effects of PTX and SMS. Using an in vitro model of NLRP3‐mediated inflammation in murine macrophages, MCC950 reduced IL‐1 β expression, which is a key driver of NIH. In an in vivo mouse model of NIH in vascular grafts, MCC950 significantly enhanced re‐endothelialization and reduced NIH compared to PTX or SMS. These findings show the effectiveness of a targeted anti‐inflammatory drug‐elution strategy with significant implications for cardiovascular device intervention.

Abstract

Current drug eluting vascular devices releasing paclitaxel and sirolimus prevent growth of key vascular cells but fail to promote vessel healing (endothelialization), resulting in poor long‐term reduction of vessel narrowing (neointimal hyperplasia). In contrast, highly selective anti‐inflammatory MCC950 promotes rapid healing of the blood vessel and reduces vessel narrowing.