Application of DNA-based hydrogels as drug delivery system for immunomodulatory therapy

Abstract

Over the last few decades, immunomodulators have been extensively studied for their therapeutic potential in immunotherapy for various diseases. However, their clinical application has been limited by poor targeting, low therapeutic efficiency, and adverse reactions. Hence, the safe and effective delivery of immunomodulators remains a significant challenge. DNA hydrogels possess excellent biocompatibility, degradability, and programmable properties, enabling them to recognize specific targets and undergo chemical modifications. As a result, they offer unique advantages in targeting and controlling cargo release, reducing toxicity and side effects, and serving as carriers in immunoregulatory therapy. Recently, researchers have developed DNA hydrogel-based drug delivery systems that have shown promising results in immunomodulatory therapy for various diseases such as cancer, allergies, inflammation, and skin wounds. Therefore, this paper reviews the strategies employed in the application of DNA hydrogel-based drug delivery systems in immunomodulatory therapy, including immunostimulation, immunosuppression, and immunoassay. The authors believe that DNA-based hydrogels have enormous potential for immunomodulatory therapy.