Research Highlights Role of Selenium Nanoparticles in Immunotherapy and Disease Treatment - Video

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) could offer great therapeutic potential. By modifying the surface properties of these nanoparticles, scientists are unlocking new possibilities for using selenium in immunotherapy, inflammation reduction, and tumor treatment. A recent review by researchers from Jinan University published in Nano Biomedicine and Engineering highlights the growing role of Selenium nanoparticles in immunotherapy.

Selenium nanoparticles can be synthesized using both chemical and biological methods. Chemical processes often reduce selenium compounds into nanoparticles, while biological methods use microorganisms to transform selenium. These flexible techniques allow researchers to create Selenium nanoparticles with specific properties tailored to different medical needs.

Selenium nanoparticles can activate the immune system, helping immune cells like natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages target and destroy tumor cells. In addition, these nanoparticles are being tested in combination with traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, showing enhanced anticancer effects and better immune response when used together.

Selenium nanoparticles also have strong anti-inflammatory effects. They can reduce inflammation by regulating key proteins in the body, offering potential treatments for inflammatory diseases like colitis. In animal studies, Selenium nanoparticles reduced inflammatory markers and restored immune balance in the intestines. Beyond that, Selenium nanoparticles are also being explored as vaccine adjuvants. These nanoparticles can improve immune cell activation, helping vaccines work more effectively and potentially boosting cancer vaccine efficacy. While Selenium nanoparticles show great promise, there are still hurdles to overcome. Though studies in animals have been promising, more research is needed to ensure these nanoparticles are safe and effective in humans.

Reference: Yang, Y., Liu, Y., Yang, Q., & Liu, T. (2024). The Application of Selenium Nanoparticles in Immunotherapy. Nano Biomedicine & Engineering, 16(3).