Smart Nanoparticle-based Platforms for Regulating Tumor Microenvironment and Cancer Immunotherapy

The tumor development and metastasis are closely related to the tumor microenvironment (TME). Recently, several studies have indicated that modulating TME could enhance cancer immunotherapy. Among various approaches to modulating TME, nanoparticles (NPs) with unique inherent advantages and smart modified characteristics are promising candidates in delivering drugs to cancer cells, amplifying the therapeutic effects, and leading to a cascade of immune responses. In this review, we briefly introduce several smart NP-based platforms, such as responsive NPs, targeting NPs, and the composition of TME, including dendritic cells, macrophages, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and regulatory T cells. Moreover, the recent applications of smart NP-based platforms in regulating TME and cancer immunotherapy are briefly introduced. Finally, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these smart NP-based platforms in potential clinical translation