Metal Oxide Nanoparticles in Therapeutic Regulation of Macrophage Functions
Marina S Dukhinova1, Artur Y Prilepskii1, Alexander A Shtil1,2
1ITMO University, Saint-Petersburg 197101, Russia.
Abstract:
Macrophages are components of the innate immune system that control a plethora of biological processes. Macrophages can be activated towards pro-inflammatory (M1) or anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotypes depending on the cue; however, polarization may be altered in bacterial and viral infections, cancer, or autoimmune diseases. Metal (zinc, iron, titanium, copper, etc.) oxide nanoparticles are widely used in therapeutic applications as drugs, nanocarriers, and diagnostic tools. Macrophages can recognize and engulf nanoparticles, while the influence of macrophage-nanoparticle interaction on cell polarization remains unclear. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms that drive macrophage activation phenotypes and functions upon interaction with nanoparticles in an inflammatory microenvironment. The manifold effects of metal oxide nanoparticles on macrophages depend on the type of metal and the route of synthesis. While largely considered as drug transporters, metal oxide nanoparticles nevertheless have an immunotherapeutic potential, as they can evoke pro- or anti-inflammatory effects on macrophages and become essential for macrophage profiling in cancer, wound healing, infections, and autoimmunity.
Insights
Metal oxide nanoparticles interact with macrophages, influencing their immune response. This interaction holds potential for immunotherapy, impacting conditions like cancer and infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Macrophages are key innate immune cells with M1 (pro-inflammatory) and M2 (anti-inflammatory) polarization states.
- Macrophage polarization is crucial in various diseases, including infections, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.
- Metal oxide nanoparticles are utilized in medicine as drug carriers and diagnostic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular mechanisms of macrophage activation and polarization upon nanoparticle interaction.
- To explore the immunotherapeutic potential of metal oxide nanoparticles in modulating macrophage phenotypes.
- To summarize the impact of nanoparticle-macrophage interactions in inflammatory contexts.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on molecular mechanisms of macrophage activation.
- Analysis of studies investigating nanoparticle-macrophage interactions.
- Synthesis of data on metal oxide nanoparticle effects on macrophage polarization.
Main Results:
- Macrophage interaction with nanoparticles can alter their M1/M2 polarization.
- The effects of metal oxide nanoparticles are dependent on the metal type and synthesis method.
- Nanoparticle-induced macrophage modulation shows potential for therapeutic applications.
Conclusions:
- Metal oxide nanoparticles can be engineered to elicit specific pro- or anti-inflammatory responses in macrophages.
- These nanoparticles offer a novel avenue for immunomodulation in diseases like cancer and infections.
- Understanding macrophage-nanoparticle interactions is vital for developing advanced nanomedicine.
