Neutrophil-based delivery platforms: from natural mechanisms to engineered therapeutics - Review

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Jiven

Neutrophils, as central innate immune effectors, drive key processes such as phagocytosis, chemotaxis, immune sensing, and transmigration across vascular endothelium. Coupling neutrophil biology with nanomaterials enables innovative neutrophil-based drug delivery systems (NDDSs) and neutrophil-derived biomimetic platforms. The review details mechanisms for neutrophil-mediated targeting and summarizes NDDS construction via live-cell delivery, including cell loading, in vivo capture, surface modification, and gene editing, as well as neutrophil-mimicking approaches using membranes, exosomes, and neutrophil-like cells. It further discusses drug loading/release control, immunometabolic perspectives, and remaining challenges toward clinical translation.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages33

Reading Time1 h 23 min

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Abstract

1. Introduction

Theranostics 2026, Vol. 16, Issue 1 123 Ivyspring International Publisher Theranostics 2026; 16(1): 123-155. doi: 10.7150/thno.117363 Review Neutrophil-based delivery platforms: from natural mechanisms to engineered therapeutics Yinggang Li1,\#, Xue Zhang1,\#, Yunkun Li1, Ling Sun1, Na Hu1, Su Lui1, Zhenyu Duan1,2,􀀍, Qiyong Gong1,2,3,􀀍, Kui Luo1,2,􀀍 1. Department of Radiology, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Institution of Radiology and Medical Imaging, Rehabilitation Therapy, Institute of Breast Health Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China. 2. Psychoradiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, NHC, and Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China. 3. Xiamen Key Lab of Psychoradiology and Neuromodulation, Department of Radiology, West China Xiamen Hospital of Sichuan University, Xiamen 361021, China. \#These authors contributed equally: Yinggang Li and Xue Zhang. 􀀍 Corresponding authors: Prof. Zhenyu Duan, E-[mail: duanzhenyu@wchscu.cn](mail: duanzhenyu@wchscu.cn); Prof. Qiyong Gong, E-mail: [qiyonggong@hmrrc.org.cn](qiyonggong@hmrrc.org.cn); Prof. Kui Luo, E-mail: [luokui@scu.edu.cn. ORCID](luokui@scu.edu.cn. ORCID) ID: Zhenyu Duan ([https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9972-277X](https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9972-277X)), Qiyong Gong ([https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5912-4871](https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5912-4871)), Kui Luo ([https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3536-1485](https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3536-1485)). © The author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License ([https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)). See [https://ivyspring.com/terms](https://ivyspring.com/terms) for full terms and conditions. Received: 2025.05.12; Accepted: 2025.07.05; Published: 2026.01.01 Abstract Neutrophils are one of the key components of the innate immune system, and they play essential roles in various physiological processes, including phagocytosis, chemotaxis, immune sensing, and transmigration across the vascular endothelium. The synergy of neutrophil biology with nanomaterial science has led to the development of innovative neutrophil-based drug delivery systems (NDDSs) or neutrophil-derived biomimetic delivery systems. In this review, we elucidate the mechanisms underlying neutrophil-mediated targeting strategies. By utilizing inherent properties of neutrophils, targeted delivery to specific disease sites through NDDSs can be achieved. We survey various approaches for constructing NDDSs via live cell delivery strategies involving cell loading, in vivo capture, surface modification, and gene editing, as well as neutrophil-mimicking approaches based on neutrophil membranes, exosomes, and neutrophil-like cells. Manipulation of drug loading and release from NDDSs and functionalization of neutrophils allow for precise regulation and intervention of disease procession. In addition, we propose emerging approaches for novel NDDSs from an immunometabolic perspective. Finally, we address challenges and opportunities for advancing NDDSs into clinical practice. Keywords: neutrophil, nanomedicine, targeted drug delivery, biomimetic, immunometabolism 1. Introduction The emergence of drug delivery systems has enabled controlled drug distribution and release, reduced toxicity and improved therapeutic efficacy [1-5] . Traditional drug delivery systems have been developed, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), dendrimers, albumin NPs, and other carriers [6-12] . With the integration of biology and nanomedicine, a variety of biologically derived drug delivery systems, including those derived from bacteria, exosomes, live cells, and viruses, have emerged [6, 13] . These nat

FAQs

What biological functions of neutrophils support targeted drug delivery?

Neutrophils enable phagocytosis, chemotaxis to specific sites, immune sensing, and transmigration across vascular endothelium, supporting efficient delivery of therapeutic agents through NDDSs.

How are neutrophil-based drug delivery systems (NDDSs) constructed in this review?

The review summarizes live-cell delivery strategies (cell loading, in vivo capture, surface modification, gene editing) and neutrophil-mimicking approaches using neutrophil membranes, exosomes, and neutrophil-like cells.

What challenges and future opportunities are highlighted for clinical use?

The review addresses challenges and opportunities for advancing NDDSs into clinical practice, while also proposing emerging approaches such as immunometabolic perspectives for novel systems.

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Jiven