Metal Nanoparticles in Immunotherapy: Applications, Limitations and Pespectives

Metal nanoparticles (NPs) functionalize numerous cell populations critical for combating cancer, bacterial and viral infections, parasites, etc. Essentially, among the target cells that encounter NPs are the immune cells, one of the first responders and transmitters of external signals in the organism. Heterogeneity of the immune cell populations complicate the systemic analysis and NPs adjustment for immunomodulation; also, severe complications should be taken into consideration since the cells can respond unpredictably to the treatment. Nevertheless, the application of NP in medicine is rapidly emerging, therefore the above limitations must be carefully addressed.