Mannose-functionalized CeO₂ nanoparticles for synergistic ROS scavenging and immunomodulation in nephritis therapy

Nephritis couples oxidative stress with immune dysregulation, demanding therapies that localize to inflamed tissue and actively neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS). We engineered a mannose-functionalized cerium oxide nanozyme co-loaded with dexamethasone (Man-CeO₂@DEX) to unify CD206-mediated targeting with self-regenerating Ce³⁺/Ce⁴⁺ redox catalysis. In acellular assays, Man-CeO₂@DEX most strongly suppressed •OH, outperforming CeO₂ and free DEX. In LPS-primed cells, Man-CeO₂@DEX lowered IL-1β/IL-6 and enhancing macrophage repolarization. The platform couples receptor-guided cellular enrichment with catalytic, continuous ROS clearance to potentiate local glucocorticoid action while minimizing systemic exposure. These data establish Man-CeO₂@DEX as a translatable strategy for ROS-driven renal inflammation.