Advancements in Macrophage-Targeted Drug Delivery for Effective Disease Management

Abstract

Macrophages play a crucial role in tissue homeostasis and the innate immune system. They perform essential functions such as presenting antigens, regulating cytokines, and responding to inflammation. However, in diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and autoimmune conditions, macrophages undergo aberrant polarization, which disrupts tissue regulation and impairs their normal behavior. To address these challenges, there has been growing interest in developing customized targeted drug delivery systems specifically designed for macrophage-related functions in different anatomical locations. Nanomedicine, utilizing nanoscale drug systems, offers numerous advantages including improved stability, enhanced pharmacokinetics, controlled release kinetics, and precise temporal drug delivery. These advantages hold significant promise in achieving heightened therapeutic efficacy, specificity, and reduced side effects in drug delivery and treatment approaches. This review aims to explore the roles of macrophages in major diseases and present an overview of current strategies employed in targeted drug delivery to macrophages. Additionally, this article critically evaluates the design of macrophage-targeted delivery systems, highlighting limitations and discussing prospects in this rapidly evolving field. By assessing the strengths and weaknesses of existing approaches, we can identify areas for improvement and refinement in macrophage-targeted drug delivery.

Advances in Nanodynamic Therapy for Cancer Treatment

“…However, despite the significant promise of ROS-centric nanodynamic approaches in oncology, several challenges remain for their clinical application [27]. These hurdles include enhancing ROS generation, overcoming the constraints of the TME, ensuring long-term stability, and maintaining the biocompatibility of nanocarriers in vivo [28,29]. Over the past few years, extensive research has been undertaken by many scholars on nanodynamic therapies aimed at combating tumors.…”