Programming Cell‐Derived Vesicles with Enhanced Immunomodulatory Properties

Abstract

Tumor‐associated macrophages are the predominant immune cells present in the tumor microenvironment and mostly exhibit a pro‐tumoral M2‐like phenotype. However, macrophage biology is reversible allowing them to acquire an anti‐tumoral M1‐like phenotype in response to external stimuli. A potential therapeutic strategy for treating cancer may be achieved by modulating macrophages from an M2 to an M1‐like phenotype with the tumor microenvironment. Here, programmed nanovesicles are generated as an immunomodulatory therapeutic platform with the capability to re‐polarize M2 macrophages toward a proinflammatory phenotype. Programmed nanovesicles are engineered from cellular membranes to have specific immunomodulatory properties including the capability to bidirectionally modulate immune cell polarization. These programmed nanovesicles decorated with specific membrane‐bound ligands can be targeted toward specific cell types including immune cells. Macrophage‐derived vesicles are engineered to enhance immune cell reprogramming toward a proinflammatory phenotype.