The Role of Nanomaterials in the Treatment of Diseases and Their Effects on the Immune System

Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2019 Jun 14;7(11):1884-1890. doi: 10.3889/oamjms.2019.486. eCollection 2019 Jun 15.

Abstract

Nanotechnology has been widely exploited in recent years in various applications. Different sectors of medicine and treatment have also focused on the use of nanoproducts. One of the areas of interest in the treatment measures is the interaction between nanomaterials and immune system components. Engineered nanomaterials can stimulate the inhibition or enhancement of immune responses and prevent the detection ability of the immune system. Changes in immune function, in addition to the benefits, may also lead to some damage. Therefore, adequate assessment of the novel nanomaterials seems to be necessary before practical use in treatment. However, there is little information on the toxicological and biological effects of nanomaterials, especially on the potential ways of contacting and handling nanomaterials in the body and the body response to these materials. Extensive variation and different properties of nanomaterials have made it much more difficult to access their toxicological effects to the present. The present study aims to raise knowledge about the potential benefits and risks of using the nanomaterials on the immune system to design and safely employ these compounds in therapeutic purposes.

Keywords: Autoimmune diseases; Immune system; Nanomaterials; Nanomedicine; Nanotoxicology.

Publication types

  • Review