Immunoregulatory nanomedicine for respiratory infections

Immune-regulation strategies, such as vaccination and immunotherapy, are key to the prevention and treatment of respiratory infectious diseases. In particular, nanomedicines can be engineered and formulated to regulate host immunity in various tissues, including in the lungs. In this Review, we discuss the design of nanovaccines, including lipid-nanocarrier-based messenger RNA nanovaccines, highlighting engineering strategies for different administration routes, including nasal administration. We further discuss the engineering of immunomodulatory nanomedicines for the treatment of respiratory infectious diseases by blocking pro-inflammatory signalling pathways and virus entry, modulating stimulated immune cells and scavenging reactive oxygen species. In addition, we examine the funding situation for research on respiratory infectious diseases before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, we summarize future opportunities, challenges and global trends for immunoregulatory nanomedicine for the treatment of respiratory infections.