Qian Yuna, Ding Jiayi, Zhao Rui, Song Yang, Yoo Jiyoung, Moon Huiyeon, Koo Seyoung, Kim Jong Seung, Shen Jianliang
National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Tissue Repair Materials, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, 325001, China.
Chem Soc Rev. 2025 Jan 2;54(1):33-61. doi: 10.1039/d4cs00450g.
The immune system plays a pivotal role in maintaining physiological homeostasis and influencing disease processes. Dysregulated immune responses drive chronic inflammation, which in turn results in a range of diseases that are among the leading causes of death globally. Traditional immune interventions, which aim to regulate either insufficient or excessive inflammation, frequently entail lifelong comorbidities and the risk of severe side effects. In this context, intrinsic immunomodulatory hydrogels, designed to precisely control the local immune microenvironment, have recently attracted increasing attention. In particular, these advanced hydrogels not only function as delivery mechanisms but also actively engage in immune modulation, optimizing interactions with the immune system for enhanced tissue repair, thereby providing a sophisticated strategy for managing chronic inflammation. In this tutorial review, we outline key elements of chronic inflammation and subsequently explore the strategic design principles of intrinsic immunomodulatory hydrogels based on these elements. Finally, we examine the challenges and prospects of such immunomodulatory hydrogels, which are expected to inspire further preclinical research and clinical translation in addressing chronic inflammation.
免疫系统在维持生理稳态和影响疾病进程中起着关键作用。免疫反应失调会引发慢性炎症，进而导致一系列疾病，这些疾病是全球主要死因之一。旨在调节炎症不足或过度的传统免疫干预措施常常伴随着终身合并症和严重副作用的风险。在此背景下，旨在精确控制局部免疫微环境的内在免疫调节水凝胶最近受到了越来越多的关注。特别是，这些先进的水凝胶不仅作为递送机制发挥作用，还积极参与免疫调节，优化与免疫系统的相互作用以促进组织修复，从而为管理慢性炎症提供了一种复杂的策略。在本教程综述中，我们概述了慢性炎症的关键要素，随后基于这些要素探讨了内在免疫调节水凝胶的战略设计原则。最后，我们研究了此类免疫调节水凝胶的挑战和前景，预计这些挑战和前景将激发进一步的临床前研究和临床转化，以应对慢性炎症。
