ABSTRACT
The interactions between nanoparticles and various components of the immune system have become an active area of research in bio- and nanotechnology because the benefits of using nanotechnology in industry and medicine are often questioned over concerns regarding the safety of these novel materials. This chapter reviews the structure–activity relationships between the most prominent physicochemical properties of nanoparticles and their effects on the immune system that lead to the most common types of immunotoxicity. The efficacy of nanoparticle-based vaccines depends on the interactions between the particles and the target cells, and is determined by the physicochemical properties of the particles because these properties play a key role in particle recognition by the antigen-presenting cells. Antiretroviral drug delivery has many assorted challenges, some of which are being effectively overcome using nanotechnology-based carriers. Studies have shown the benefits of using nanoparticles for the targeted delivery of immunosuppressive and anti- inflammatory drugs, and to prevent the undesirable immunosuppression of small-molecule drugs.
