Nanocarriers Used in Drug Delivery to Enhance Immune System in Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Cancer, a group of diseases responsible for the second largest cause of global death, is considered one of the main public health problems today. Despite the advances, there are still difficulties in the development of more efficient cancer therapies and fewer adverse effects for the patients. In this context, nanobiotechnology, a materials science on a nanometric scale specified for biology, has been developing and acquiring prominence for the synthesis of nanocarriers that provide a wide surface area in relation to volume, better drug delivery, and a maximization of therapeutic efficiency. Among these carriers, the ones that stand out are those focused on the activation of the immune system. The literature demonstrates the importance of this system for anticancer therapy, given that the best treatment for this disease also activates the immune system to recognize, track, and destroy all remaining tumor cells.

Keywords: cancer; immune system; nanobiotechnology; nanocarriers.

Figure 1

Types of nanocarriers used for drug delivery in cancer therapy. (A) Lipid-based nanocarriers; (B) Inorganic nanoparticles; (C) Polymeric nanoparticles.

Figure 2

Schematic depiction of passive and active tumor targeting. Passive tumor targeting consists of the extravasation of nanomaterial by the increased vascular permeability of the tumor vessel associated with lower lymphatic drainage, which is commonly called the EPR effect. Active tumor targeting is the functionalization of nanomaterial with specific tumor ligands.

Figure 3

Immune cells associated with the tumor microenvironment and the possible outcomes after interaction with nanoparticles.