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Updated: Sep 14, 2026
Registered Bioimaging of Nanomaterials for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Monitoring
Published on: December 9, 2010
Nanomaterials targeting macrophages in sepsis: A promising approach for sepsis management
Chaoying Song1, Jiqian Xu1, Chenggang Gao1
1Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Abstract:
Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction resulting from dysregulated host responses to infection. Macrophages play significant roles in host against pathogens and the immunopathogenesis of sepsis, such as phagocytosis of pathogens, secretion of cytokines, and phenotype reprogramming. However, the rapid progression of sepsis impairs macrophage function, and conventional antimicrobial and supportive treatment are not sufficient to restore dysregulated macrophages roles. Nanoparticles own unique physicochemical properties, surface functions, localized surface plasmon resonance phenomenon, passive targeting in vivo, good biocompatibility and biodegradability, are accessible for biomedical applications. Once into the body, NPs are recognized by host immune system. Macrophages are phagocytes in innate immunity dedicated to the recognition of foreign substances, including nanoparticles, with which an immune response subsequently occurs. Various design strategies, such as surface functionalization, have been implemented to manipulate the recognition of nanoparticles by monocytes/macrophages, and engulfed by them to regulate their function in sepsis, compensating for the shortcomings of sepsis traditional methods. The review summarizes the mechanism of nanomaterials targeting macrophages and recent advances in nanomedicine targeting macrophages in sepsis, which provides good insight for exploring macrophage-based nano-management in sepsis.
Insights
Nanoparticles can be engineered to target macrophages, crucial immune cells in sepsis. This nanomedicine approach offers a novel strategy to manage sepsis by restoring macrophage function, overcoming limitations of traditional treatments.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nanomedicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by organ dysfunction due to a dysregulated host response to infection.
- Macrophages are key immune cells involved in sepsis pathogenesis, but their function is impaired during rapid disease progression.
- Conventional sepsis treatments are often insufficient to restore macrophage function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms by which nanomaterials interact with and target macrophages.
- To summarize recent advancements in nanomedicine for targeting macrophages in sepsis.
- To provide insights into macrophage-based nano-management strategies for sepsis.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on nanoparticle-macrophage interactions.
- Analysis of surface functionalization strategies for nanoparticles.
- Examination of nanomedicine applications in sepsis models.
- Discussion of nanoparticle targeting mechanisms in vivo.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticles possess unique properties suitable for biomedical applications, including immune cell targeting.
- Macrophages recognize and internalize nanoparticles, presenting an opportunity for therapeutic intervention.
- Surface functionalization of nanoparticles can modulate their recognition and uptake by macrophages.
- Nanomedicine offers potential to regulate macrophage function in sepsis, compensating for conventional treatment limitations.
Conclusions:
- Nanoparticles can be designed to specifically target and modulate macrophage function in sepsis.
- Macrophage-based nano-management represents a promising therapeutic avenue for sepsis.
- Further research into nanoparticle-macrophage interactions can advance sepsis treatment strategies.
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