Polymeric Micelles in Cancer Immunotherapy

Zhuoya Wan; Ruohui Zheng; Pearl Moharil; Yuzhe Liu; Jing Chen; Runzi Sun; Xu Song; Qiang Ao

doi:10.3390/molecules26051220

Molecules (Feb 2021)

Polymeric Micelles in Cancer Immunotherapy

Zhuoya Wan,
Ruohui Zheng,
Pearl Moharil,
Yuzhe Liu,
Jing Chen,
Runzi Sun,
Xu Song,
Qiang Ao

Affiliations

Zhuoya Wan: Institute of Regulatory Science for Medical Device, National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
Ruohui Zheng: Department of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
Pearl Moharil: Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
Yuzhe Liu: Department of Materials Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
Jing Chen: Institute of Regulatory Science for Medical Device, National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
Runzi Sun: Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
Xu Song: Institute of Regulatory Science for Medical Device, National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
Qiang Ao: Institute of Regulatory Science for Medical Device, National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26051220
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 26, no. 5
p. 1220

Abstract

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Cancer immunotherapies have generated some miracles in the clinic by orchestrating our immune system to combat cancer cells. However, the safety and efficacy concerns of the systemic delivery of these immunostimulatory agents has limited their application. Nanomedicine-based delivery strategies (e.g., liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, silico, etc.) play an essential role in improving cancer immunotherapies, either by enhancing the anti-tumor immune response, or reducing their systemic adverse effects. The versatility of working with biocompatible polymers helps these polymeric nanoparticles stand out as a key carrier to improve bioavailability and achieve specific delivery at the site of action. This review provides a summary of the latest advancements in the use of polymeric micelles for cancer immunotherapy, including their application in delivering immunological checkpoint inhibitors, immunostimulatory molecules, engineered T cells, and cancer vaccines.

Published in Molecules

ISSN: 1420-3049 (Online)
Publisher: MDPI AG
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Science: Chemistry: Organic chemistry
Website: http://www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules

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