Interaction of graphene oxide nanoparticles with cells of the immune system

Abstract

Graphene-based preparations are the most promising materials in biomedicine. This review is aimed at analyzing data on the interaction of graphene oxide nanoparticles with different types of cells of the immune system: neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, T- and B-lymphocytes, NK and iNKT cells. Scopus publications from 2011 to May 2020 were analyzed. The primary vector of the graphene oxide nanoparticles' effects is associated with cell activation and the formation of a proinflamma-tory profile of the immune response. At the same time, the functionalization of the graphene oxide surface with the biocompatible polymers leads to a decrease in its cytotoxicity, and in some cases, to suppression of cell activation. The interaction of graphene oxide nanoparticles with cells depends on numerous factors, such as direct and lateral sizes, oxidation state, functionalization, number of layers, 3D configuration, as well as the microbiological purity and pyrogenicity of graphene. Together, these characteristics determine whether graphene oxide nanoparticles must stimulate or suppress the immune system. These multidirectional possibilities of graphene oxide can be useful in the development of adjuvants, new drug delivery mechanisms, and modern biosensors.