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Related Experiment Video

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Synthesis of Stimuli-responsive Nanogels using Aqueous One-step Crosslinking and Co-nanopolymerization

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Complement: alive and kicking nanomedicines.

Alina J Andersen¹, S Hossein Hashemi, Thomas L Andresen

¹Centre for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Department of Pharmaceutics and Analytical Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.

Journal of Biomedical Nanotechnology

|January 9, 2010

Summary

Nanoparticles like liposomes can trigger hypersensitivity reactions by activating the complement system. This activation releases anaphylatoxins, leading to adverse effects and potentially influencing tumor growth in oncology.

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Area of Science:

Immunology
Nanomedicine
Biochemistry

Background:

Clinical nanomedicines, including liposomes and polymers, can cause hypersensitivity reactions.
These reactions are often IgE-independent and linked to complement system activation.

Purpose of the Study:

To discuss the molecular basis of complement activation by various nanoparticles.
To explore the role of complement activation in experimental oncology.

Main Methods:

Review of literature on nanoparticle-induced complement activation.
Discussion of molecular mechanisms involving anaphylatoxins (C3a, C5a) and the C5b-9 complex.
Consideration of nanoparticle interactions with immune cells and endothelial cells.

Main Results:

Complement activation by nanoparticles leads to anaphylatoxin release, affecting immune cells and platelets.
The terminal complement complex (C5b-9) promotes platelet procoagulant activity and stimulates endothelial cells.
Intra-tumoural complement activation may promote tumor growth and progression.

Conclusions:

Understanding complement activation by nanomedicines is crucial for mitigating hypersensitivity reactions.
Nanoparticle-induced complement activation has implications beyond hypersensitivity, potentially impacting cancer progression.