Cutting-edge approaches to investigate the immune response to nanomaterials: advances in nanodiagnostic, nanomedicine and nanotoxicology

The use of nanomaterials for a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic purposes has rapidly increased since the development of nanomedicine. Although nanoparticles, nanotubes, and nanovesicles have several properties that make them desirable carriers for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, the immunotoxicity of these materials is still a major concern in clinical assessment. Since it is now well recognized that an immune system that is out of balance promotes inflammatory disorders, degenerative diseases, and malignancies, immunotoxicity is of the utmost relevance. Nanoparticles primarily affect the immune system through targeted interactions with various immunological molecules and cells, as is the case with some environmental pollutants. There are, however, situations where contact with the immune system is intended. Several nanoparticle formulations have been designed to interact with immune cells, which play important roles in a wide range of pathogenic processes. Alternatively, nanoparticles can use the intrinsic features of immune system cells to increase their ability to efficiently reach their target while avoiding immune system clearance.

Researchers are currently focusing on using naturally derived cell membranes to endow nanoparticles directly with better biointerface capabilities instead of generating such features through synthetic methods. Extracellular vesicles can be used as natural drug delivery vehicles because of their intrinsic capacity for material transfer between cells, minimal immunogenicity, and ability to encapsulate a variety of biological compounds, providing an interesting alternative to artificial nanomaterials.

The goal of this Research Topic is to offer an overview of current breakthroughs in the interaction of nanomaterials with the immune system. To adequately comprehend the role of nanomaterials in inflammatory disorders, cancer, and neurological illnesses, it is necessary to first understand how nanoparticles interact with distinct immune cells and molecules. We encourage the submissions of Original Research and Review articles that cover, but are not limited to, the following sub-topics:

• Immunotoxicology of natural, environmental, and designed nanoparticles
• Novel Immune cell-targeted nanoparticles
• Neutrophil-based nanomaterials and neutrophil-interfering nanomaterials.
• Macrophage phagocytosis mechanisms and Macrophage-targeted nanomaterials
• Nanoparticles targeting the immune microenvironment in tumors and other diseases
• Biomimetic nanoparticles and approaches to the enhanced blood circulation of diagnostic nanoprobes
• Advanced Microscopy techniques to reveal nanoparticle-immune system interactions