Nanotechnology reinforced neutrophil-based therapeutic strategies for inflammatory diseases therapy

Misguided attack of immune systems on self-tissue or multifactorial uncontrolled inflammation is capable of causing inflammatory diseases. Neutrophils play a critical role in the initiation of inflammation and pathophysiological progression, and the pathological context can influence the biology of neutrophils. Moreover, they usually respond faster than other immune cells to pathological variation. Recently, due to their immunomodulation capability and intrinsic tropism to inflammatory sites, neutrophil-based therapeutic strategies, including neutrophil manipulation and development of neutrophil-based delivery systems, are emerging as a promising solution for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases. However, obstacles in neutrophil manipulation using small molecules or antibodies (e.g., lack of targeting ability to the inflammatory site, low bioavailability, and fast clearance) and the concerns about developing neutrophil-based delivery systems (e.g., stability of biopharmaceuticals, activity maintenance, and cargo loading efficiency) hindered the therapeutic outcomes of neutrophil-based therapeutic strategies. Nanotechnology, which has offered multiple resolutions for disease treatment, can be utilized to reinforce neutrophil-based therapeutic strategies. In order to afford a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art progress of this emerging field, the biology of neutrophils and their function in a certain inflammatory context is briefly introduced. Then the current research progresses about nanomaterials augmented efficient neutrophils manipulation and developing neutrophil-based carriers utilizing nanotechnology for inflammation-targeted treatment are illustrated with specific research examples. Finally, perspectives in light of the current challenges and future opportunities in this field are discussed.