Nanozymes in immune regulation: Applications and progress

The immune system is essential for maintaining physiological balance, defending against pathogens, and eliminating abnormal cells. Immune dysregulation—manifesting as either suppression or hyperactivation—plays a central role in the pathogenesis of diseases such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic inflammatory disorders. As a novel class of catalytic nanomaterials, nanozymes possess enzyme-mimicking activities and exhibit high stability, biocompatibility, and tunable functionalities, enabling them to serve as versatile tools in immunomodulation. This review highlights the dual immunoregulatory capabilities of nanozymes and their context-dependent therapeutic applications, including promoting antitumor immunity, restoring immune homeostasis in autoimmune diseases, and attenuating pathological inflammation. We systematically discuss the mechanisms by which nanozymes modulate immune responses, reshape immune microenvironments, and influence key signaling pathways. These insights aim to facilitate the rational design of next-generation nanozyme-based immunotherapeutics.