Neutrophil-Based Drug Delivery Systems

Abstract White blood cells (WBCs) are a major component of immunity in response to pathogen invasion. Neutrophils are the most abundant WBCs in humans, playing a central role in acute inflammation induced by pathogens. Adhesion to vasculature and tissue infiltration of neutrophils are key processes in acute inflammation. Many inflammatory/autoimmune disorders and cancer therapies have been found to be involved in activation and tissue infiltration of neutrophils. A promising strategy to develop novel targeted drug delivery systems is the targeting and exploitation of activated neutrophils. Herein, a new drug delivery platform based on neutrophils is reviewed. There are two types of drug delivery systems: neutrophils as carriers and neutrophil‐membrane‐derived nanovesicles. It is discussed how nanoparticles hijack neutrophils in vivo to deliver therapeutics across blood vessel barriers and how neutrophil‐membrane‐derived nanovesicles target inflamed vasculature. Finally, the potential applications of neutrophil‐based drug delivery systems in treating inflammation and cancers are presented.