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Inflammation is a protective response of the immune system to external stimuli, aiming to repair damaged tissues and eliminate harmful factors. The inflammatory process involves the release of danger signals from damaged cells, activation of immune cells, secretion of inflammatory mediators, recruitment of more immune cells to the inflammatory site, and finally, the alleviation of inflammation and restoration of tissue function through anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10. However, excessive or persistent inflammatory responses may lead to chronic diseases, including periodontitis, pneumonia, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, malignant tumors, diabetes, and others. Traditional anti-inflammatory drugs have issues such as low bioavailability, poor targeting ability, and significant side effects. Therefore, there is a need to develop novel targeted drug delivery systems to improve treatment efficacy and reduce toxicity.
Nanomaterials, due to their unique size, shape, and surface properties, can penetrate tissues through passive or active targeting mechanisms, making them potential tools for the treatment of inflammation. The development of nanotechnology, with the assistance of devices like the electrospinning machine, has provided great potential for overcoming biological barriers. Nanomaterials can not only improve the bioavailability and stability of drugs but also enhance drug efficacy by targeting specific immune cells. In recent years, nanomaterials have shown promising effects in modulating the functions of immune cells and inflammation - related cytokines, offering new ideas for the treatment of chronic inflammation.
This article reviews the application of nanomaterials targeting immune cells in the treatment of chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a common feature of various diseases, such as autoimmune diseases, metabolic diseases, and tumors. It is characterized by the long - term stimulation of the body by low - concentration inflammatory factors, resulting in the aggregation and infiltration of immune cells like monocytes and lymphocytes, and leading to tissue hyperplasia and lesions. Traditional anti-inflammatory drugs, such as glucocorticoids and non - steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, have therapeutic effects but lack specificity and targeting ability. High - dose use of these drugs is often required, which can easily cause severe adverse reactions. Nanomaterials, which can be fabricated with the help of an electrospinning machine in some cases, have targeting and sustained - release properties, which can reduce the impact on healthy cells. However, most nanosystems can only target inflammatory sites rather than specific immune cells. This article reviews the roles of different immune cells in inflammation and summarizes the domestic and international applications of nanomaterials in targeted inflammation therapy, aiming to provide a theoretical basis and new perspectives for the treatment of chronic inflammation using nanomaterials targeting immune cells.
Roles of Immune Cells in Inflammation
The article details the functions of multiple immune cells in inflammation, including neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, and lymphocytes. Neutrophils, the most abundant white blood cells in the human body, can rapidly migrate to the inflammatory site and clear pathogens through phagocytosis, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). However, excessive formation of NETs may also cause tissue damage and has become a potential therapeutic target for chronic inflammation. Macrophages play a dual role in the initiation, maintenance, and resolution of inflammation. They can polarize into M1 (pro - inflammatory) and M2 (anti - inflammatory) phenotypes to regulate the inflammatory response. The main function of dendritic cells is to survey surrounding cells and present antigens to T cells. Different lymphocyte subsets are also involved in the inflammatory process. For example, helper T cells (Th1, Th17) and B lymphocytes promote the inflammatory response, while regulatory T cells (Tregs) and B10 cells significantly inhibit it.
Classification and Characteristics of Nanomaterials
The article classifies nanomaterials into organic nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, and lipid - based nanoparticles. Organic nanoparticles (such as PLGA, chitosan) have good biocompatibility and drug - loading capacity. Inorganic nanoparticles (such as metal nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles) show potential in inflammation treatment due to their unique physicochemical properties (such as optical and magnetic properties). Lipid - based nanoparticles (such as nanostructured lipid carriers) have good stability and targeting ability. In addition, the article also introduces the surface modification technology of nanomaterials. By conjugating specific ligands, such as mannose, the targeting ability of nanomaterials to inflammatory sites can be enhanced.
Research Progress of Nanomaterials Targeting Specific Immune Cells
The article focuses on the research progress of nanomaterials in targeting neutrophils and macrophages. For example, by modifying drug carriers to target specific receptors on the surface of neutrophils (such as integrin αvβ1), the concentration of drugs at the inflammatory site can be increased. In terms of macrophage targeting, researchers have designed nanomaterials that respond to the inflammatory microenvironment (such as ROS, pH) to regulate macrophage polarization and achieve anti - inflammatory effects. Moreover, the article also introduces cell - membrane - based biomimetic nanomaterials, such as nanoparticles modified with macrophage membranes and neutrophil membranes. These materials can mimic the functions of immune cells and achieve precise targeting of inflammatory sites.
Application Cases of Nanomaterials in the Treatment of Chronic Inflammation
The article lists various application cases of nanomaterials in different chronic inflammatory diseases. For instance, in the treatment of periodontitis, researchers use nanomaterials to target NETs, reducing inflammation by inhibiting NET formation or clearing excessive NETs. In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, targeting neutrophils can reduce airway obstruction and inflammatory responses. In non - alcoholic fatty liver disease, nanomaterials alleviate liver inflammation by regulating macrophage polarization. Additionally, nanomaterials have also shown promising therapeutic effects in diseases such as atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Nanomaterials, which can be produced or modified with the help of an electrospinning machine in relevant research, have the potential in the treatment of chronic inflammation, especially in targeting immune cells. By regulating the functions of immune cells and inflammation - related cytokines, nanomaterials can achieve precise treatment and reduce damage to healthy tissues. However, there is still room for improvement in the clinical application of nanomaterials in terms of biosafety, drug delivery efficiency, and targeting accuracy. Future research needs to further explore the mechanism of action of nanomaterials and optimize their design and application strategies to promote the development of nanotechnology into a more effective and safer solution for inflammation treatment, alleviating the suffering of patients and the social medical burden.
Electrospinning Nanofibers Article Source:
https://doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S497590
