Emerging biomaterials for tumor immunotherapy

Abstract

Background The immune system interacts with cancer cells in various intricate ways that can protect the individual from overproliferation of cancer cells; however, these interactions can also lead to malignancy. There has been a dramatic increase in the application of cancer immunotherapy in the last decade. However, low immunogenicity, poor specificity, weak presentation efficiency, and off-target side effects still limit its widespread application. Fortunately, advanced biomaterials effectively contribute immunotherapy and play an important role in cancer treatment, making it a research hotspot in the biomedical field. Main body This review discusses immunotherapies and the development of related biomaterials for application in the field. The review first summarizes the various types of tumor immunotherapy applicable in clinical practice as well as their underlying mechanisms. Further, it focuses on the types of biomaterials applied in immunotherapy and related research on metal nanomaterials, silicon nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, polymer nanoparticles, and cell membrane nanocarriers. Moreover, we introduce the preparation and processing technologies of these biomaterials (liposomes, microspheres, microneedles, and hydrogels) and summarize their mechanisms when applied to tumor immunotherapy. Finally, we discuss future advancements and shortcomings related to the application of biomaterials in tumor immunotherapy. Conclusion Research on biomaterial-based tumor immunotherapy is booming; however, several challenges remain to be overcome to transition from experimental research to clinical application. Biomaterials have been optimized continuously and nanotechnology has achieved continuous progression, ensuring the development of more efficient biomaterials, thereby providing a platform and opportunity for breakthroughs in tumor immunotherapy. Graphical Abstract

Biomaterial-Based Sustained-Release Drug Formulations for Localized Cancer Immunotherapy

“…Continuous research of novel biomaterials and engineering approaches to achieve the full therapeutic and clinical potential of localized and sustained drug release can potentially expand the landscape of cancer immunotherapy. 195…”

“…Therefore, the development of streamlined processes for large-scale manufacturing of quality-controlled drug formulations is required for their clinical use. Continuous research of novel biomaterials and engineering approaches to achieve the full therapeutic and clinical potential of localized and sustained drug release can potentially expand the landscape of cancer immunotherapy …”

Application of Multifunctional Nanozymes in Tumor Therapy

“…Second, existing tumor immunotherapy has limitations, such as limited selectivity, low immunogenicity, insufficient delivery efficiency, and off-target effects. Some biomaterials are utilized to enhance the antitumor immunological response of the immunotherapy and to regulate immune suppression …”

“…Some biomaterials are utilized to enhance the antitumor immunological response of the immunotherapy and to regulate immune suppression. 22 …”

Involvement of KLRK1 in immune infiltration of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma correlates with favorable prognosis

“…This highlights the importance of identifying specific biomarkers that can accurately predict a patient's response to immunotherapy. [6,7] The killer cell lectin-like receptor (KLR) gene family encodes members of the immunoglobulin superfamily. [8] This gene family has been identified in humans and many other species, and includes receptor molecules that play crucial roles in immune regulation, such as killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor, natural killer group 2 (NKG2), and leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor.…”