Bst2-targeted senotherapy restores visual function by eliminating senescent retinal cells

Abstract

Abstract Senescent cells contribute to degenerative processes in multiple tissues, including the retina. In the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), their accumulation is closely associated with retinal aging and disease progression. Eliminating senescent RPE cells has shown therapeutic potential, but conventional senolytics often lack the specificity required to spare non-senescent cells, raising safety concerns. To overcome this, we performed integrated transcriptomic analyses of male mouse-derived RPE cells under natural aging and chemically induced senescence conditions. These analyses identified Bst2 as a membrane-localized marker selectively upregulated in senescent RPE cells, with minimal expression in young controls. Based on this discovery, we developed a modular, antibody-pluggable drug delivery platform–B-Z-PON–comprising mesoporous silica nanoparticles functionalized with a recombinant Fc-binding domain and conjugated with anti-Bst2 antibodies. This nanocarrier selectively accumulates in Bst2-expressing senescent RPE cells, enabling targeted drug delivery and sparing healthy retinal cells. In vivo administration of ABT-263-loaded B-Z-PON in aged and senescence-induced retinal degeneration models resulted in the selective ablation of senescent cells, restoration of RPE function, and improved visual outcomes. Together, our study integrates senescence-specific marker discovery with precision nanomedicine, establishing a versatile platform for targeted senotherapy. These findings offer a promising therapeutic approach for retinal aging disorders, such as age-related macular degeneration.