Prospects for the Use of Metal-Based Nanoparticles as Adjuvants for Local Cancer Immunotherapy
In a joint review with Italian colleagues, the prospects for the use of metal-based nanoparticles (MNPs) to overcome the low response to cancer immunotherapy were considered. Such nanoparticles are inherently exogenous agents and are able to activate the immune response through pattern recognition receptors. When administered locally (intratumorally), MNPs can act as adjuvants, enhancing the action of immunomodulators, including immune checkpoints. This can enhance the immune response and spread it to distant tumors and metastases (manifestation of the abscopal effect). The most recent works and approaches able to enhance immunotherapy are discussed. Particular attention is paid to the cancer-immunity cycle and the role of innate immunity cells. The general prerequisites for the development of effective combined anticancer drugs based on MNP and immunomodulators are suggested. The review is published in Pharmaceutics.
june 13, 2023