Macrophage-mimetic nanomedicines for the treatment of diseases

The use of synthetic encapsulation by applying polymers and lipidic molecules often results in failure to meet clinical expectations. As such, resorting to natural alternatives such as pathogens and mammalian cells appears to be a viable alternative more so because they are exceedingly optimized for their specific functions in vivo. In addition, they are in possession of specific features that are desirable in drug delivery applications. Recently, the role of macrophages in a range of disorders including infectious diseases, inflammatory diseases, cancer, and atherosclerosis has been elucidated and has provided novel strategies to target infected cell types to improve therapeutic outcomes. Macrophages also have the inherent ability of tumor homing, stealth in blood circulation, and phagocytosis of particles. Having developed a better understanding of these roles, in combination with the availability of cutting-edge biotechnology tools that are capable of re-engineering the various natural systems, it has become increasingly plausible to exploit macrophages for multiple applications in the delivery of active therapeutic agents and possibly treat or prevent diseases.