Bioresponsive Immunotherapeutic Materials

Abstract

The human immune system is an interaction network of biological processes, and its dysfunction is closely associated with a wide array of diseases, such as cancer, infectious diseases, tissue damage, and autoimmune diseases. Manipulation of the immune response network in a desired and controlled fashion has been regarded as a promising strategy for maximizing immunotherapeutic efficacy and minimizing side effects. Integration of “smart” bioresponsive materials with immunoactive agents including small molecules, biomacromolecules, and cells can achieve on-demand release of agents at targeted sites to reduce overdose-related toxicity and alleviate off-target effects. This review highlights the design principles of bioresponsive immunotherapeutic materials and discusses the critical roles of controlled release of immunoactive agents from bioresponsive materials in recruiting, housing, and manipulating immune cells for evoking desired immune responses. Challenges and future directions from the perspective of clinical translation are also discussed.