Nanozymes in Therapeutic Prospects and Challenges for Autoimmune Diseases

Nanozymes are a class of nanomaterial-based catalysts with enzyme-like functionalities. They exhibit excellent physicochemical properties and stable catalytic activity in both in vivo and in vitro environments, demonstrating immense potential for biomedical applications. Autoimmune diseases arise from the immune system's erroneous attack on self-tissues or cells, affecting individuals across all age groups. Current therapies primarily rely on immunosuppressive drugs, which may control disease progression or alleviate symptoms but often fail to achieve a cure. Long-term use of these drugs is associated with significant side effects, imposing substantial health burdens on patients. Oxidative stress, driven by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production or dysfunctional antioxidant defense systems, is a key mechanism underlying many autoimmune diseases. Excessive ROS accumulation exacerbates cellular damage and inflammatory responses, accelerating disease progression. Nanozymes, with their enzyme-mimicking catalytic capabilities, are ideal tools for modulating ROS levels, offering promising applications in the prevention and treatment of autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, by regulating the ROS microenvironment, nanozymes may enhance the proliferation, differentiation, and regenerative capacity of stem cells, further amplifying their therapeutic potential. This review comprehensively explores recent advancements in nanozymes for biomedical applications, focusing on their roles in oxidative stress modulation and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapies. It aims to provide innovative insights and solutions for future clinical strategies.