类风湿性关节炎（RA）是一种全身性免疫疾病，以滑膜炎、骨损伤和软骨侵蚀为特征，导致社会经济负担增加和生活质量下降。尽管其原因尚不清楚，但对其病理生理学理解的进步促进了新的治疗方法。目前的治疗方法，包括缓解疾病的抗风湿药物 (DMARD) 和生物制剂，通常会导致疗效低下和不必要的副作用。为了解决这些药物的局限性，基于载体的药物递送系统（例如纳米胶束）已成为一种有前途的解决方案。在本研究中，利用 PLGA（聚乳酸-乙醇酸）作为骨架合成了纳米胶束；该骨架与以抑制炎症而闻名的绿原酸 (CGA) 结合，并结合了甲氨蝶呤 (MTX)，这是一种用于 RA 治疗的模型药物。纳米胶束在尺寸、电荷、药物负载和药物释放行为方面进行了广泛的表征。在胶原诱导的关节炎模型中对 MTX-PLGA-b-CGA 纳米胶束的体内评估表明，关节肿胀、软骨侵蚀和疾病严重程度显着减轻。此外，组织学结果证实了软骨完整性和关键促炎标志物的表达减少，包括核因子κβ配体受体激活剂（RANKL）和肿瘤坏死因子（TNF-α）。基于 MTX-PLGA-b-CGA 纳米胶束的方法为管理 RA 的严重程度和进展提供了一种生物相容性且潜在有效的治疗策略，为 RA 治疗提供了一种充满希望的替代方案。

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic immune disorder marked by synovitis, bone damage, and cartilage erosion, leading to increased socio-economic burdens and reduced quality of life. Despite its unknown cause, advancements in understanding its pathophysiology have facilitated novel therapeutic approaches. Current treatments, including disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics, often result in low efficacy and unnecessary side effects. To address the limitations of these drugs, carrier-based drug delivery systems, such as nanomicelles, have emerged as a promising solution. In this study, nanomicelles were synthesised utilizing PLGA (poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)) as a backbone; this backbone is conjugated with chlorogenic acid (CGA), which is known for suppressing inflammation, and incorporates methotrexate (MTX), a model drug that is established for RA treatment. The nanomicelles were extensively characterized in terms of size, charge, drug loading, and drug-release behaviour. The in vivo assessment of MTX-PLGA-b-CGA nanomicelles in a collagen-induced arthritis model demonstrated a remarkable reduction in joint swelling, cartilage erosion, and disease severity. Furthermore, histological findings confirmed cartilage integrity and reduced expression of key pro-inflammatory markers, including receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa beta ligand (RANKL) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α). The approach based on the MTX-PLGA-b-CGA nanomicelles presents a biocompatible and potentially effective therapeutic strategy for management of the severity and progression of RA, providing a hopeful alternative for RA treatment.