Nanoparticles and trained immunity: Glimpse into the future

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cell Biology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Innate immune cells exhibit functional plasticity post-infection or vaccination, leading to altered responses upon secondary stimulation.
• This phenomenon, termed trained immunity or innate immune memory, differs from adaptive B and T lymphocyte memory.
• Myeloid cells are a primary focus in understanding trained immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the concept of trained immunity, its evolutionary aspects in pathogen recognition, and underlying mechanisms.
• To highlight techniques for studying epigenetic reprogramming and metabolic rewiring in trained immunity.
• To explore the role of nanomaterials in understanding and modulating trained immunity.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on trained immunity, pathogen recognition, and immune cell memory.
• Discussion of techniques for analyzing epigenetic modifications and metabolic alterations.
• Examination of nanomaterial interactions with immune cells.

Main Results:

• Innate immune cells can acquire a memory-like state, influencing subsequent immune responses.
• Pathogen recognition mechanisms have evolved across diverse species.
• Epigenetic and metabolic changes are key to trained immunity.
• Nanomaterials offer novel tools for studying and manipulating trained immunity.

Conclusions:

• Trained immunity represents a significant paradigm shift in understanding innate immune responses.
• Nanomaterials provide a promising avenue for investigating and therapeutically harnessing trained immunity.
• Further exploration of trained immunity holds potential for novel immunomodulatory therapies.