Nanoparticles in tumor microenvironment remodeling and cancer immunotherapy

Abstract

Cancer immunotherapy and vaccine development have significantly improved the fight against cancers. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, particularly in the clinical delivery of immunomodulatory compounds. The tumor microenvironment (TME), comprising macrophages, fibroblasts, and immune cells, plays a crucial role in immune response modulation. Nanoparticles, engineered to reshape the TME, have shown promising results in enhancing immunotherapy by facilitating targeted delivery and immune modulation. These nanoparticles can suppress fibroblast activation, promote M1 macrophage polarization, aid dendritic cell maturation, and encourage T cell infiltration. Biomimetic nanoparticles further enhance immunotherapy by increasing the internalization of immunomodulatory agents in immune cells such as dendritic cells. Moreover, exosomes, whether naturally secreted by cells in the body or bioengineered, have been explored to regulate the TME and immune-related cells to affect cancer immunotherapy. Stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, activated by pH, redox, and light conditions, exhibit the potential to accelerate immunotherapy. The co-application of nanoparticles with immune checkpoint inhibitors is an emerging strategy to boost anti-tumor immunity. With their ability to induce long-term immunity, nanoarchitectures are promising structures in vaccine development. This review underscores the critical role of nanoparticles in overcoming current challenges and driving the advancement of cancer immunotherapy and TME modification.

Size and Surface Properties of Functionalized Organosilica Particles Impact Cell–Particle Interactions Including Mitochondrial Activity

“…Macrophages have pivotal roles in tumor microenvironment and are important targets of cancer immunotherapy. Activation of anticancer function of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages and reprograming of anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages to antitumor M1 macrophage using nanoparticles are under active development. , Cationic polymers like PEI stimulate macrophage antitumor activity via TLR-4 signaling . Additionally, PEI-covered poly­(lactic- co -glycolic acid)-based nanoparticles containing methotrexate with a diameter of 100 nm promoted M2 macrophage repolarization toward the antitumor M1 macrophage .…”

Revolutionizing Glioblastoma Treatment: A Comprehensive Overview of Modern Therapeutic Approaches

“…Combining chemotherapy with RNA interference (RNAi) molecules within the same nanocarrier can simultaneously inhibit tumor growth and reduce resistance mechanisms [ 209 ]. Nanocarriers might be used to deliver immune-modulating agents such as checkpoint inhibitors directly to the tumor site, which will help with modulating the tumor microenvironment, in turn boosting antitumor immunity [ 210 ].…”

Versatile function of NF-ĸB in inflammation and cancer

“…Therefore, the application of nanoplatforms for the delivery of such compounds can increase the potential for tumor suppression and NF-ĸB downregulation. One of the important aspects in the recent years is the introduction of nanoparticles for the cancer immunotherapy, chemotherapy and phototherapy [ 258 – 260 ]. Therefore, it is of high importance to exploit the role of nanoparticles in regulation of molecular pathways.…”