Carbon Nanoparticles for use as a Vehicle to Target and Treat Macrophages, and Macrophage RNF41 as a Molecule Essential to Switch Macrophage Phenotype

Provided herein are, in various embodiments, methods and compositions of inducing M2-like macrophage morphology. In certain embodiments, a composition comprising a polynucleotide encoding a ring finger protein 41 (RNF41) is contemplated. The disclosure also provides a method of preventing, treating, managing, and/or ameliorating tissue damage in a subject in need thereof. In some embodiments, the subject has chronic liver disease, chronic liver inflammation, chronic hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, or a combination thereof. In still further embodiments, the subject has undergone liver resection or liver transplantation.