Cellular senescence and nanoparticle-based therapies: Current developments and perspectives

Abstract

The timing and location of senescent cells in vivo is a leading candidate explanation for human aging. A rapidly developing scientific field with the potential to slow the aging process is the creation of pharmacologically active medicines that target senescent cells. Senotherapeutics have been developed to selectively or preferentially target and eliminate senescent cells. Senolytic compounds that delay aging in animal models are being explored in humans with great hope. Nanoparticle (NP) drug delivery strategies for targeting senescent cells are in their infancy, but advancements have been made, and preliminary anti-aging applications are promising. However, using nanomedicine effectively requires an understanding of how NPs behave in senescent cells. Senescence theranostics could offer a variety of information, including a prognostic predictor in cancer patients after treatment. The NPs have a much better outlook for translating it to the clinic for aging. Reversing aging pathologies may only require a percentage reduction in senescent cells to achieve therapeutic success, in contrast to cancer, where it is essential to eradicate the tumor. This review provides an overview of the factors that lead to senescence and different therapeutic approaches, focusing on the use of nanocarriers/particles in senotherapy.