Considering the immunogenicity of PEG: strategies for overcoming issues with PEGylated nanomedicines

In the field of nanomedicine, there is considerable familiarity with both the various applications of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and the related topic of anti-PEG antibodies (anti-PEG Abs). The worldwide spread of mRNA-LNP vaccines has focused much attention on the sometimes problematic relationship between immune responses and the various possible pharmacological uses of PEG. In this paper, which is a perspective review, I summarize the properties of PEG, the properties of anti-PEG Abs, and the various methods for evaluating the relationship between these two factors. I then offer suggestions for addressing the adverse effects that anti-PEG Abs have on the medicinal power of PEGylated nanomedicines. Ultimately, by exploring important developments in the above areas, this review offers an organized, synthesized presentation of information that should prove useful for the development of nanomedicines.