免疫系统工程水凝胶《Advanced NanoBiomed Research》

Hydrogels for Engineering the Immune System

Xianlei Li, Yufeng Shou, Andy Tay

Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583 Singapore

Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599 Singapore

Advanced NanoBiomed Research, Volume1, Issue3

March 2021, 2000073

First published: 17 January 2021

https://doi.org/10.1002/anbr.202000073

Review

Abstract

Human immune system has evolved as one of the most powerful defense systems to protect against invading pathogens and mutated cells. However, when persistent immune suppression or activation occurs, it can lead to adverse, chronic physiological effects including cancer and arthritis. Hydrogels are soft materials that can be engineered to modulate immune responses through controlled biomolecule release/adsorption, regeneration of lymphoid tissues, and enhanced antigen presentations. This is achieved by programming hydrogels to exhibit optimal properties such as porosity, biodegradability, and biocompatibility to interface seamlessly with the immune system. Herein, recent innovations and future challenges are described using programmable hydrogels to regenerate the lymphatic system, modulate inflammation, and enhance cancer immunotherapy. Key properties of hydrogels are also highlighted for engineering the immune system and techniques to characterize these properties.

Figure 1. Hydrogels for regenerating the lymphatic system.

水凝胶用于再生淋巴系统。

Figure 2. Hydrogels served as “molecular scavenger” to modulate inflammation.

水凝胶作为“分子清除剂”调节炎症。

Figure 3. Hydrogels served as drug/biomolecule reservoirs to ameliorate inflammatory response.

水凝胶用作药物/生物分子库以改善炎症反应。

Figure 4. Hydrogels substantially contributed for high-efficiency antigen uptake and presentation.

水凝胶大大有助于高效抗原的摄取和呈现。

Figure 5. Hydrogels strikingly ameliorated ICB therapeutic toxicity and reversed immunosuppressive TME.

水凝胶显著改善了ICB治疗毒性并逆转了免疫抑制性TME。

Table 1. Key properties and rationale of hydrogels used for engineering immune system

用于免疫系统工程水凝胶的关键特性和原理

• a) Abbreviation: HPMC = hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; PEG = Polyethylene glycol; HA = hyaluronic acid; PCL-PEG-PCL = poly-(caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(caprolactone); 3D = three dimensional; ECM = extracellular matrix; VEGF-C = Vascular endothelial growth factors C.