The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by persistent joint inflammation and progressive tissue damage. Although treatments such as methotrexate and liposomal adenosine provide anti-inflammatory effects, achieving sustained efficacy remains a major challenge. Here, we present a novel strategy for long-term anti-inflammatory therapy using RNA nanoparticles that generate adenosine in situ. These nanoparticles are produced by rolling circle transcription (RCT) and consist of densely packed adenine-rich RNA strands. After cellular internalization, RNA is gradually processed by endogenous enzymes, enabling continuous adenosine generation. This platform protects the RNA during delivery and maintains prolonged adenosine signaling, resulting in durable anti-inflammatory effects. The therapeutic potential of this system was validated in both in vitro and in vivo models, demonstrating this RNA nanoparticles as a promising platform for sustained RA therapy.