Applications of Antioxidant Nanoparticles in Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases

Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) encompass a wide range of disorders, including autoimmune, acute, and chronic inflammatory conditions, which are often characterized by immune dysregulation and excessive oxidative stress. Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of these diseases by promoting tissue damage and sustaining inflammation. However, conventional antioxidant therapies are limited by poor bioavailability, inadequate targeting, and short-lived efficacy. In recent years, nano-antioxidants have emerged as a promising therapeutic approach due to their enhanced stability, targeted delivery capabilities, and multifunctional therapeutic effects. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the application of nano-antioxidants in the treatment of IMIDs. Their therapeutic roles are categorized into three major groups: autoimmune diseases, acute inflammatory diseases, and chronic inflammatory diseases. In autoimmune disorders such as alopecia areata and multiple sclerosis, nano-antioxidants have demonstrated the ability to reduce oxidative damage, modulate immune responses, and alleviate clinical symptoms. In acute inflammatory conditions, including acute kidney injury and acute liver injury, these nanomaterials exert protective effects by scavenging ROS, mitigating tissue injury, and restoring organ function. In chronic inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis, nano-antioxidants contribute to maintaining mucosal integrity, suppressing chronic inflammation, and improving therapeutic outcomes through localized delivery and sustained release. In summary, nano-antioxidants represent a novel and promising therapeutic strategy for the management of IMIDs. Their unique physicochemical properties offer significant advantages over traditional treatments. Further research is needed to optimize their delivery platforms, evaluate long-term safety, and facilitate clinical translation.