Nanofibers for the Immunoregulation in Biomedical Applications

Despite great efforts and achievement of nanomaterials in immune-associated diseases, the selection of appropriate nanomaterials and preparation technology remain some challenges and vast room for improvement. Immunotherapy has received tremendous attention throughout the medical process due to its clinical successes with the pathways of immunoactivation or immunosuppression. Recently, fibrous nanomaterials have facilitated advances in tissue repair and cancer treatments owing to the superiority of multi-channel structure, biocompatibility, tunable size and controlled surface modification. The immunoactivation-based nanofibers can potentially deliver functional agents to lesions and further actively promote immunologic intervention. On the contrary, the immunosuppression-based nanofibers prevent the immune system from overreacting through the blockage of critical pathways in vivo. This review summarizes the current application of nanofiber materials in diverse diseases, including cancer therapy, tissue regeneration (cartilage/bone, skin, tendon, nerves), myocardial infarction, psoriasis and organ defects. Some common fabrication technologies of biomedical nanofibers are also introduced. Meanwhile, the existing technical barriers and perspectives are rationally discussed, providing a constructive inspiration for the follow-up basic research and clinical transformation of nanofibers in the vibrant biomedical fields.