Glucan-Based Nanoparticles Empower Precision Cancer Immunotherapy: Design Strategies, Immune Reprogramming...

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Immunology
• Oncology

Background:

• Tumor immunotherapy faces challenges due to immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments and variable patient responses.
• Glucan-based nanoparticles offer biocompatibility and programmable design for precision immunotherapy.
• These nanosystems can deliver therapeutic agents and modulate the tumor immune microenvironment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review strategies in designing glucan-based nanoparticles for tumor immunotherapy.
• To examine the molecular and cellular mechanisms of immune remodeling by these nanoparticles.
• To highlight progress in combining glucan-based nanoparticles with other immunotherapies and assess translational challenges.

Main Methods:

• Review of structural design and surface functionalization of glucan-based nanoparticles.
• Analysis of molecular and cellular mechanisms of immune remodeling.
• Evaluation of preclinical and clinical data on combined immunotherapies.

Main Results:

• Glucan-based nanoparticles target antigen-presenting cells and reprogram macrophages.
• They reduce immunosuppressive cells and activate innate and adaptive immunity, enhancing antitumor responses.
• Combinations with immune checkpoint inhibitors, phototherapies, and cell-based treatments show promise.

Conclusions:

• Glucan-based nanoparticles are evolving into versatile therapeutic platforms for immune regulation.
• They hold significant potential for developing precise, effective, and sustainable tumor immunotherapy strategies.
• Addressing translational challenges like safety, production, and regulation is crucial for clinical success.