Modulating immune cells within pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma via nanomedicine

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy characterized by a dense extracellular matrix (ECM) and a uniquely immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), which together form a formidable barrier that hinders deep drug penetration, limiting the efficacy of conventional therapies and leading to poor patient outcomes. Nanocarrier technology emerges as a promising strategy to improve treatment efficacy in PDAC. Nanocarriers can not only improve drug penetration through their adjustable physicochemical properties but also effectively regulate immune cell function in pancreatic cancer TME and promote anti-tumor immune response. This mini-review discusses the effects of nanocarriers on the immune microenvironment of PDAC, analyzing their mechanisms in modulating immune cells, overcoming ECM barriers, and reshaping the TME.