Nanopharmacology as a new approach to treat neuroinflammatory disorders

Abstract

Neuroinflammation is a complex process that involves the activation of microglia, astrocytes, and other immune cells in the brain. This response is normal to injury or infection but can contribute to neurodegeneration and psychiatric illness if it becomes chronic. In this sense, the therapeutic strategies for its approach must be improved. Of particular interest, nanopharmacology would enable unprecedented ways of accessing and treating highly prevalent pathologies at the brain level. Specifically, nanoscaffolds can target specific cells or tissues and protect drugs from degradation or elimination. These advantages make them ideal candidates for treating neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases, which are often challenging to treat with conventional pharmacological methods. In recent years, significant advances have been made in developing nanoparticles to target microglia, astrocytes, and other immune cells in the brain, thereby reducing neuroinflammation and protecting neurons from injury. Nanoparticles targeting specific neurons have also been developed. Of relevance, there are clinical trials to prove the safety and efficacy of nano drugs for treating neuroinflammatory, neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. The results of these trials are eagerly awaited as they could lead to the development of new and effective treatments for these devastating and ever-growing diseases.