Innovations in Drug Delivery Systems: Exploring Nanoparticles and Targeted Therapies for Enhanced Immunotherapy

Abstract

Background: The immune system plays a critical role in maintaining homeostasis and defending against diseases. However, imbalances can lead to conditions such as autoimmunity and cancer. Recent advances in immunotherapy have highlighted the need for improved drug delivery systems to enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects.

Methods: This study reviews contemporary research on nanostructured drug delivery systems, focusing on the design and engineering of nanoparticles. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across scientific databases, including PubMed and ScienceDirect, utilizing keywords such as “nanotechnology,” “immunotherapy,” and “drug delivery.”

Results: Nanoparticles have emerged as promising carriers for drug delivery, leveraging their unique properties—such as size, surface area, and responsiveness to stimuli—to optimize the targeting and release of therapeutic agents. Various types of nanoparticles, including lipid-based, polymeric, and carbon-based systems, have been explored for their immunomodulatory capabilities. Notably, lipid nanoparticles have been effective in mRNA delivery for cancer therapies, while polymeric nanoparticles have shown enhanced solubility and bioavailability for immunotherapeutic agents.

Conclusion: The integration of nanoparticles in drug delivery systems represents a significant advancement in immunotherapy, offering improved targeting and efficacy against cancer and other diseases. However, challenges remain in ensuring specificity and minimizing long-term immunogenicity. Continued research and clinical trials are essential to fully realize the potential of these innovative technologies in therapeutic applications.