Modulation of Macrophages M1/M2 Polarization Using Carbohydrate-Functionalized Polymeric Nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Nanomedicine
• Immunology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Macrophages are crucial innate immune cells with plastic phenotypes (M1 pro-inflammatory, M2 anti-inflammatory).
• Modulating macrophage activation states offers therapeutic potential for various diseases.
• Carbohydrate-conjugated nanocarriers exploit cell surface receptors for targeted delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review polymeric nanocarriers targeting macrophages.
• To highlight the role of the mannose receptor in macrophage polarization.
• To explore applications in infectious diseases, cancer immunotherapy, and prevention.

Main Methods:

• Review of production methods for polymeric nanocarriers.
• Analysis of conjugation strategies for nanocarrier targeting.
• Examination of mannose receptor interactions with nanocarriers.

Main Results:

• Carbohydrate-nanocarriers effectively target macrophages via endocytosis receptors.
• Mannose receptor engagement influences macrophage polarization towards therapeutic outcomes.
• Nanocarrier strategies show promise for infectious diseases and cancer immunotherapy.

Conclusions:

• Carbohydrate-nanocarriers represent a promising strategy for modulating macrophage functions.
• Targeting the mannose receptor is key for directing macrophage polarization.
• Further research into nanocarrier-macrophage interactions is needed for clinical translation.