Nanomaterials for modulating innate immune cells in cancer immunotherapy

Publication date: Available online 23 August 2018Source: Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical SciencesAuthor(s): Quoc-Viet Le, Geon Yang, Yina Wu, Ho Won Jang, Mohammadreza Shokouhimehr, Yu-Kyoung OhAbstractCancer immunotherapy has been intensively investigated in both preclinical and clinical studies. Whereas chemotherapies use cytotoxic drugs to kill tumor cells, cancer immunotherapy is based on the ability of the immune system to fight cancer. Tumors are intimately associated with the immune system: they can suppress the immune response and/or control immune cells to support tumor growth. Immunotherapy has yielded promising results in clinical practice, but some patients show limited responses. This may reflect the complexities of the relationship between a tumor and the immune system. In an effort to improve the current immunotherapies, researchers have exploited nanomaterials in creating new strategies to cure tumors via modulation of the immune system in tumor tissues. Although extensive studies have examined the use of immune checkpoint-based immunotherapy, rather less work has focused on manipulating the innate immune cells. This review examines the recent approaches and challenges in the use of nanomaterials to modulate innate immune cells.Graphical abstractCancer immunotherapy has been intensively investigated in both preclinical and clinical studies. This review covers the recent approaches and challenges in the use of nanomaterials to modulate innate immune cells.
Source: Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research