Nanoparticle Immunomodulation in Biomedical Applications
Summary
Nanoparticles offer a versatile platform for modulating the immune system in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease. By virtue of their tunable size, shape and surface chemistry, they can be engineered to interact selectively with immune cells and molecular pathways. Such interactions range from enhancing antigen presentation and promoting vaccine efficacy to suppressing unwanted inflammation in autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. Key benefits include targeted delivery of immunomodulatory agents, reduced systemic toxicity and the capacity to shield biologics from rapid degradation. At the same time, the formation of a protein corona on nanoparticle surfaces can influence biodistribution and cell uptake, underscoring the need for precise control over particle composition. Progress in this field has led to nanoparticle formulations that act both as adjuvants to boost immune responses and as stealth carriers that evade immune surveillance. Clinical translation remains challenged by the complexity of immune–nanoparticle interactions, but emerging strategies in surface functionalisation, stimuli responsiveness and biodegradability continue to advance the development of safe, effective immunotherapies and anti-inflammatory treatments with global significance.
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Nanoparticle Immunomodulation in Biomedical Applications publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in nanoparticle immunomodulation in biomedical applications across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Nanoparticle: A particle with at least one dimension between 1 and 100 nanometres, engineered to interact with biological systems.
Immunomodulation: The alteration of immune system activity, either by enhancing or suppressing specific responses.
Adjuvant: A substance that enhances the body’s immune response to an antigen when used in vaccines.
Antigen-presenting cell: A cell, such as a dendritic cell or macrophage, that processes and presents antigens to T cells, initiating an immune response.
Protein corona: A layer of biomolecules, mainly proteins, that adsorb onto the surface of nanoparticles upon exposure to biological fluids, affecting their identity and interactions.
References
- Nanotechnology’s frontier in combatting infectious and inflammatory diseases: prevention and treatment. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy (2024).
- Immunomodulation of Nanoparticles in Nanomedicine Applications. BioMed Research International (2014).
- The interaction between nanoparticles and immune system: application in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Journal of Nanobiotechnology (2022).
- Update on Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery System for Anti-inflammatory Treatment. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology (2021).
- Nanomaterials and Their Impact on the Immune System. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023).
- The Use of Nanobiotechnology in Immunology and Vaccination. Vaccines (2021).
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