Advances in cell-membrane-coated nanoparticles for inflammation modulation and biomedical applications

Objectives Inflammation is a highly complex process that requires precise regulation rather than complete suppression. Most anti-inflammatory approaches remain limited in the management of inflammation because of their drawbacks of systemic toxicity, lack of tissue specificity, and/or disrupt immune balance. This review aims to provide guidance for the design of next generation of biomimetic nanotherapeutics, which are designed to move from passive targeting to adaptive immune regulation to achieve precision therapy of inflammatory diseases. Methods While conventional reviews have largely centered on either fabrication approaches or drug delivery, this review brings a mechanistic perspective towards the role of membrane-derived biological identities in regulating inflammatory response via immune recognition, sequestration of cytokines, macrophage reprogramming, and modulation of oxidative stress. We systematically review that how membrane sources, surface components, and coating methods affect immunological outcomes, with a focus on how each membrane type guides targeting and therapeutic action in both acute and chronic inflammation. Results To overcome these obstacles, nanotechnology by employing cell membrane-coated nanoparticles (C-M-CNPs) has emerged as a biomimetic platform with potential for nanoimmunomodulation. C-M-CNPs offer a unique platform that integrates a natural immune interface at the nanoscale for biologically relevant communication, immune evasion, and prolonged circulation to precisely target the inflammatory microenvironment. Conclusions Moreover, we briefly summarize existing challenges with membrane heterogenicity, production scalability, safety concerns that present hurdles for clinical translation.