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Effects of engineered nanoparticles on the innate immune system
Yuanchang Liu1, Joseph Hardie1, Xianzhi Zhang1
1Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 710 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
Engineered nanoparticles interact with the innate immune system. Their physicochemical properties, such as size and shape, dictate immune responses and potential applications in immunotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Immunology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Engineered nanoparticles (NPs) are utilized in various industrial and nanomedicine applications.
- Upon introduction into the body, NPs inevitably interact with the host's immune system, particularly the innate immune system.
- The innate immune system acts as the initial defense against foreign entities like NPs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the relationship between nanoparticle physicochemical properties and innate immune responses.
- To explore the influence of these interactions on applications in immunotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent reports on NP-immune system interactions.
- Analysis of how NP properties affect immune cell and protein interactions.
- Examination of NP effects on complement system activation.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticle physicochemical properties (size, shape, hydrophobicity, surface modification) significantly influence innate immune responses.
- NPs can either stimulate or suppress immune responses based on their properties.
- Interactions with the complement system can be activated or avoided.
Conclusions:
- Understanding NP physicochemical properties is crucial for predicting and controlling immune responses.
- This knowledge is vital for the safe and effective application of NPs in nanomedicine and immunotherapy.
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