Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the development of a novel targeted drug delivery system, ALD@EM, based on traditional Chinese medicine components, specifically targeting atherosclerosis, which is a major pathological factor leading to ischemic heart disease [2][7]. Group 1: Atherosclerosis Overview - Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease significantly impacting major cardiovascular events such as ischemic heart disease and stroke [3]. - The pathophysiological mechanisms of atherosclerosis involve endothelial injury, lipid accumulation, and a self-perpetuating cycle of inflammation, leading to plaque formation and progression [3]. Group 2: Current Treatments and Limitations - Statins are the first-line treatment for atherosclerosis, primarily working by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis and lowering plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels [3]. - However, statins have potential risks, including increased diabetes risk and contraindications in patients with renal impairment, along with varying drug tolerability across different ethnic groups [3]. - Emerging anti-inflammatory therapies, such as the monoclonal antibody Canakinumab targeting IL-1β, have shown effectiveness in reducing cardiovascular event risks without affecting LDL-C levels, but serious infection risks limit their clinical application [3][4]. Group 3: Novel Drug Development - The research team extracted an active monomer, decursin, from the root of the traditional Chinese herb Angelica sinensis, which interacts with protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ) to inhibit lipid accumulation and inflammation in macrophages, showing low cytotoxicity in vitro and minimal side effects in vivo [4][5]. - To address the short half-life of decursin, the team developed the ALD@EM targeted cascade drug delivery system, which uses antibodies to ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 for targeting atherosclerotic plaques, embedding LDL particles, and utilizing apoptotic endothelial cell membranes to enhance macrophage uptake and release of decursin [5][6]. - The ALD@EM delivery system significantly increased the accumulation of decursin within arterial plaques and markedly reduced lipid deposition and plaque inflammation [5][6]. Group 4: Conclusion - This research successfully combines the active components of traditional Chinese medicine with cutting-edge nanobiotechnology, creating a novel targeted delivery system that overcomes application bottlenecks of natural components and utilizes the pathophysiological characteristics of the disease for precise drug delivery, offering a new strategy for targeted atherosclerosis treatment [7].