Neutrophil-based drug delivery systems for targeted therapy of cancer have been studied widely in the recent past. Chemotactic cytokines including colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) recruit various immune cells including the neutrophils to the tumor microenvironment (TME) leading to enhanced metastasis. These cytokines can be targeted effectively by immunotherapeutic agents such as checkpoint inhibitors and mAbs that can lead to systemic toxicity. To minimize the systemic adverse effects, camouflaged nanoparticles can be used significantly as alternative therapeutic agents. The neutrophil-interacting NPs and neutrophil membrane coated NPs have been exploited recently for their antitumor properties in vitro and pose limited systemic adverse effects in vivo. Neutrophil-derived exosomes derived from immune cells can efficiently escape immune-surveillance and pass through the blood-brain barrier. They possess several intrinsic properties in drug delivery as they are nano-sized, extremely biocompatible, non-immunogenic, biodegradable, stable and can carry targeting agents with limited toxicity and display antitumor properties. Also, neutrophil-based nanotherapy is dependent on factors such as neutrophil kinetics and the physicochemical properties of NPs such as size, shape, and surface chemistry. Therefore, neutrophil-based drug delivery for cancer therapy via the use of polymer nanoparticles is widely studied as their clinical appliance in nanomedicine is still at its infancy.

Non-invasive phototherapy includes modalities such as photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT). When combined with tumor immunotherapy, these therapeutic approaches have demonstrated significant efficacy in treating advanced malignancies, thus attracting considerable attention from the scientific community. However, the progress of these therapies is hindered by inherent limitations and potential adverse effects. Recent findings indicate that certain therapeutic strategies, including phototherapy, can induce immunogenic cell death (ICD), thereby opening new avenues for the integration of phototherapy with tumor immunotherapy. Currently, the development of biofilm nanomaterial-encapsulated drug delivery systems has reached a mature stage. Immune cell membrane-encapsulated nano-photosensitizers hold great promise, as they can enhance the tumor immune microenvironment. Based on bioengineering technology, immune cell membranes can be designed according to the tumor immune microenvironment, thereby enhancing the targeting and immune properties of nano-photosensitizers. Additionally, the space provided by the immune cell membrane allows for the co-encapsulation of immunotherapeutic agents and chemotherapy drugs, achieving a synergistic therapeutic effect. At the same time, the timing of photodynamic therapy (PDT) can be precisely controlled to regulate the action timing of both immunotherapeutic and chemotherapy drugs. This article summarizes and analyzes current research based on the aforementioned advancements.

Neutrophils, the most abundant white blood cells, play a dual role in cancer progression. While they can promote tumor growth, metastasis, and immune suppression, they also exhibit anti-tumorigenic properties by attacking cancer cells and enhancing immune responses. This review explores the complex interplay between neutrophils and the tumor microenvironment (TME), highlighting their ability to switch between pro- and anti-tumor phenotypes based on external stimuli. Pro-tumorigenic neutrophils facilitate tumor growth through mechanisms such as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and immune evasion strategies. They contribute to angiogenesis, tumor invasion, and metastasis by releasing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Conversely, anti-tumor neutrophils enhance cytotoxicity by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), promoting antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), and activating other immune cells such as cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells. Recent advances in neutrophil-based drug delivery systems have harnessed their tumor-homing capabilities to improve targeted therapy. Neutrophil-mimicking nanoparticles and membrane-coated drug carriers offer enhanced drug accumulation in tumors, reduced systemic toxicity, and improved therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, strategies to modulate neutrophil activity, such as inhibiting their immunosuppressive functions or reprogramming them towards an anti-tumor phenotype, are emerging as promising approaches in cancer immunotherapy. Understanding neutrophil plasticity and their interactions with the TME provides new avenues for therapeutic interventions. Targeting neutrophil-mediated mechanisms could enhance existing cancer treatments and lead to the development of novel immunotherapies, ultimately improving patient survival and clinical outcomes.

Cancer-associated myeloid cells due to their plasticity play dual roles in both promoting and inhibiting tumor progression. Myeloid cells with immunosuppressive properties play a critical role in anti-cancer immune regulation. Cells of different origin, such as tumor associated macrophages (TAMs), tumor associated neutrophils (TANs), myeloid derived suppressor cells (also called MDSCs) and eosinophils are often expanded in cancer patients and significantly influence their survival, but also the outcome of anti-cancer therapies. For this reason, the variety of preclinical and clinical studies to modulate the activity of these cells have been conducted, however without successful outcome to date. In this review, pro-tumor activity of myeloid cells, myeloid cell-specific therapeutic targets, in vivo studies on myeloid cell re-polarization and the impact of myeloid cells on immunotherapies/genetic engineering are addressed. This paper also summarizes ongoing clinical trials and the concept of chimeric antigen receptor macrophage (CAR-M) therapies, and suggests future research perspectives, offering new opportunities in the development of novel clinical treatment strategies.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent cancers, characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates. Recently, immunotherapy has emerged as a crucial treatment modality for HCC, following surgery, locoregional therapies, and targeted therapies. This approach harnesses the body's immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells, potentially resulting in durable antitumor responses. However, acquired resistance and the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment (TIME) significantly hinder its clinical application. Recently, advancements in nanotechnology, coupled with a deeper understanding of cancer biology and nano-biological interactions, have led to the development of various nanoparticles aimed at enhancing therapeutic efficacy through specific targeting of tumor tissues. These nanoparticles increase the accumulation of immunotherapeutic drugs within the tumor microenvironment, thereby transforming the TIME. In this review, we provide a concise overview of the fundamental principles governing the TIME landscape in HCC and discuss the rationale for and applications of nanoparticles in this context. Additionally, we highlight existing challenges and potential opportunities for the clinical translation of cancer nanomedicines.

Photodynamic therapy is a non-ionizing radiation treatment that utilizes a photosensitizer in combination with light to produce singlet oxygen. This singlet oxygen induces anti-cancer effects by causing apoptotic, necrotic, or autophagic cell death in tumor cells. Currently, photodynamic therapy is employed in oncology to treat various cancers. In the presence of oxygen, this non-invasive approach leads to direct tumor cell death, damage to microvasculature, and the induction of a local inflammatory response. These effects allow photodynamic therapy to be effective in treating early-stage tumors, extending survival in cases where surgery is not feasible, and significantly improving quality of life. In this paper, we provide a state of the art on cytomolecular mechanisms and associated pathways involved in photodynamic therapy. By integrating these mechanistic insights with the most recent advancements in nanotechnology, this phototherapeutic approach has the potential to become a prevalent treatment option within conventional cancer therapies, enhancing its application in precision medicine.

Nano-formulation has generated attention in the battle against cancer, because of its great flexibility, reduced adverse side effects, and accuracy in delivering drugs to target tissues dependent on the size and surface characteristics of the disease. The field of photodynamic treatment has advanced significantly in the past years. Photodynamic techniques that use nano-formulations have surfaced to further the field of nanotechnology in medicine, especially in cancer treatment. The pharmaceutical industry is seeing a growing trend toward enhanced drug formulation using nano-formulations such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, nano-emulsions, and micelles. Natural extracts have also shown adverse effects when employed as photosensitizers in cancer therapy because they are cytotoxic when activated by light. Still, natural photosensitizers are a big part of cancer treatment. However, some shortcomings can be minimized by combining nano-formulations with these natural photosensitizers. The synergistic improvement in medication delivery that maintains or increases the mechanism of cell death in malignant cells has also been demonstrated by the combination of photodynamic therapy with nano-formulations and natural photosensitizers. Lastly, this review assesses the feasibility and potential of a photodynamic therapy system based on nano-formulations and natural photosensitizers in clinical treatment applications and briefly discusses the removal of toxic compounds associated with nano-formulations within cells.

Natural photosensitizers (PS) are compounds derived from nature, with photodynamic properties. Natural PSs have a similar action to that of commercial PSs, where cancer cell death occurs by necrosis, apoptosis, and autophagy through ROS generation. Natural PSs have garnered great interest over the last few decades because of their high biocompatibility and good photoactivity. Specific wavelengths could cause phytochemicals to produce harmful ROS for photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, natural PSs have some shortcomings, such as reduced solubility and lower uptake, making them less appropriate for PDT. Nanotechnology offers an opportunity to develop suitable carriers for various natural PSs for PDT applications. Various nanoparticles have been developed to improve the outcome with enhanced solubility, optical adsorption, and tumor targeting. Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a phenomenon in which tumor cells develop resistance to a wide range of structurally and functionally unrelated drugs. Over the last decade, several researchers have extensively studied the effect of natural PS-based photodynamic treatment (PDT) on MDR cells. Though the outcomes of clinical trials for natural PSs were inconclusive, significant advancement is still required before PSs can be used as a PDT agent for treating MDR tumors. This review addresses the increasing literature on MDR tumor progression and the efficacy of PDT, emphasizing the importance of developing new nano-based natural PSs in the fight against MDR that have the required features for an MDR tumor photosensitizing regimen.

Theranostic medicine combines diagnostics and therapeutics, focusing on solid tumors at minimal doses. Optically activated photosensitizers are significant examples owing to their photophysical and chemical properties. Several optotheranostics have been tested that convert light to imaging signals, therapeutic radicals, and heat. Upon light exposure, conjugated photosensitizers kill tumor cells by producing reactive oxygen species and heat or by releasing cancer antigens. Despite clinical trials, these molecularly conjugated photosensitizers require protection from their surroundings and a localized direction for site-specific delivery during blood circulation. Therefore, cell membrane biomimetic ghosts have been proposed for precise and safe delivery of these optically active large molecules, which are clinically relevant because of their biocompatibility, long circulation time, bypass of immune cell recognition, and targeting ability. This review focuses on the role of biomimetic nanoparticles in the treatment and diagnosis of tumors through light-mediated diagnostics and therapy, providing insights into their preclinical and clinical status.

In the field of medicine, we often brave the unknown like interstellar explorers, especially when confronting the formidable opponent of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The global burden of HCC remains significant, with suboptimal treatment outcomes necessitating the urgent development of novel drugs and treatments. While various treatments for liver cancer, such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy, have emerged in recent years, improving their transport and therapeutic efficiency, controlling their targeting and release, and mitigating their adverse effects remains challenging. However, just as we grope through the darkness, a glimmer of light emerges-nanotechnology. Recently, nanotechnology has attracted attention because it can increase the local drug concentration in tumors, reduce systemic toxicity, and has the potential to enhance the effectiveness of precision therapy for HCC. However, there are also some challenges hindering the clinical translation of drug-loaded nanoparticles (NPs). Just as interstellar explorers must overcome interstellar dust, we too must overcome various obstacles. In future researches, the design and development of nanodelivery systems for novel drugs treating HCC should be the first attention. Moreover, researchers should focus on the active targeting design of various NPs. The combination of the interventional therapies and drug-loaded NPs will greatly advance the process of precision HCC therapy.

Neutrophils are the most abundant white blood cells in the circulation and act as the first line of defense against infections. Increasing evidence suggests that neutrophils possess heterogeneous phenotypes and functional plasticity in human health and diseases, including cancer. Neutrophils play multifaceted roles in cancer development and progression, and an N1/N2 paradigm of neutrophils in cancer is proposed, where N1 neutrophils exert anti-tumor properties while N2 neutrophils display tumor-supportive and immune-suppressive functions. Selective activation of beneficial neutrophil population and targeted inhibition or re-polarization of tumor-promoting neutrophils has shown an important potential in tumor therapy. In addition, due to the natural inflammation-responsive and physical barrier-crossing abilities, neutrophils and their derivatives (membranes and extracellular vesicles (EVs)) are regarded as advanced drug delivery carriers for enhanced tumor targeting and improved therapeutic efficacy. In this review, the recent advances in engineering neutrophils for drug delivery and targeting neutrophils for remodeling tumor microenvironment (TME) are comprehensively presented. This review will provide a broad understanding of the potential of neutrophils in cancer therapy.

Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems hold promise for cancer treatment by enhancing the solubility and stability of anti-tumor drugs. Nonetheless, the challenges of inadequate targeting and limited biocompatibility persist. In recent years, cell membrane nano-biomimetic drug delivery systems have emerged as a focal point of research and development, due to their exceptional traits, including precise targeting, low toxicity, and good biocompatibility. This review outlines the categorization and advantages of cell membrane bionic nano-delivery systems, provides an introduction to preparation methods, and assesses their applications in cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, gene therapy, immunotherapy, photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, and combination therapy. Notably, the review delves into the challenges in the application of various cell membrane bionic nano-delivery systems and identifies opportunities for future advancement. Embracing cell membrane-coated biomimetic nanoparticles presents a novel and unparalleled avenue for personalized tumor therapy.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has become an important public health problem, and there are still challenges to overcome in clinical treatment. The nanodrug delivery system (NDDS) has developed tremendously in recent years, and many researchers have explored NDDS for the treatment of HCC. Engineered cell membrane-coated nanoparticles (ECNPs) have emerged, combining the unique functions of cell membranes with the engineering versatility of synthetic nanoparticles (NPs) to effectively deliver therapeutic drugs. It is designed to have the capabilities: specific active targeting, immune evasion, prolonging the circulation blood time, controlled drug release delivery, and reducing drugs systematic toxicity. Thus, ECNPs are a promising bionic tool in the treatment of HCC and have operability to achieve combination and integrated therapy. This review focuses on the mechanism and strategy of ECNPs for the treatment of HCC and summarizes its research progress in the treatment of HCC in recent years.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent type of liver cancer, is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Surgical interventions are often ineffective, leading HCC patients to rely on systemic chemotherapy. Unfortunately, commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs have limited efficacy and can adversely affect vital organs, causing significant physical and psychological distress for patients. Natural medicine monomers (NMMs) have shown promising efficacy and safety profiles in HCC treatment, garnering attention from researchers. In recent years, the development of novel targeted drug delivery systems (TDDS) combining NMMs with nanocarriers has emerged. These TDDS aim to concentrate drugs effectively in HCC cells by manipulating the characteristics of nanomedicines, leveraging receptor and ligand interactions, and utilizing endogenous stimulatory responses to promote specific nanomedicines distribution. This comprehensive review presents recent research on TDDS for HCC treatment using NMMs from three perspectives: passive TDDS, active TDDS, and stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems (SDDS). It consolidates the current state of research on TDDS for HCC treatment with NMMs and highlights the potential of these innovative approaches in improving treatment outcomes. Moreover, the review also identifies research gaps in the related fields to provide references for future targeted therapy research in HCC.

Cancer is the leading cause of death across the globe, with 19.3 million new cancer cases and 10 million deaths in the year 2020. Conventional treatment modalities have numerous pitfalls, such as off-site cytotoxicity and poor bioavailability. Nanocarriers (NCs) have been explored to deliver various therapeutic moieties such as chemotherapeutic agents and photothermal agents, etc. However, several limitations, such as rapid clearance by the reticuloendothelial system, poor extravasation into the tumor microenvironment, and low systemic half-life are roadblocks to successful clinical translation. To circumvent the pitfalls of currently available treatment modalities, neutrophil membrane (NM)-based nanotherapeutics have emerged as a promising platform for cancer management. Their versatile features such as natural tumor tropism, tumor-specific accumulation, and prevention from rapid clearance owing to their autologous nature make them an effective anticancer NCs. In this manuscript, we have discussed various methods for isolation, coating and characterization of NM. We have discussed the role of NM-coated nanotherapeutics as neoadjuvant and adjuvant in different treatment modalities, such as chemotherapy, photothermal and photodynamic therapies with rationales behind their inclusion. Clinical hurdles faced during the bench-to-bedside translation with possible solutions have been discussed. We believe that in the upcoming years, NM-coated nanotherapeutics will open a new horizon in cancer management.

Jun B proto-oncogene (JunB) is a crucial member of dimeric activator protein-1 (AP-1) complex, which plays a significant role in various physiological processes, such as placental formation, cardiovascular development, myelopoiesis, angiogenesis, endochondral ossification and epidermis tissue homeostasis. Additionally, it has been reported that JunB has great regulatory functions in innate and adaptive immune responses by regulating the differentiation and cytokine secretion of immune cells including T cells, dendritic cells and macrophages, while also facilitating the effector of neutrophils and natural killer cells. Furthermore, a growing body of studies have shown that JunB is involved in tumorigenesis through regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, senescence and metastasis, particularly affecting the tumor microenvironment through transcriptional promotion or suppression of oncogenes in tumor cells or immune cells. This review summarizes the physiological function of JunB, its immune regulatory function, and its contribution to tumorigenesis, especially focusing on its regulatory mechanisms within tumor-associated immune processes.

Management of cancer metastasis has been associated with remarkable reduction in progression of cancer cells and improving survival rate of patients. Since 90% of mortality are due to cancer metastasis, its suppression can improve ability in cancer fighting. The EMT has been an underlying cause in increasing cancer migration and it is followed by mesenchymal transformation of epithelial cells. HCC is the predominant kind of liver tumor threatening life of many people around the world with poor prognosis. Increasing patient prognosis can be obtained via inhibiting tumor metastasis. HCC metastasis modulation by EMT and HCC therapy by nanoparticles are discussed here. First of all, EMT happens during progression and advanced stages of HCC and therefore, its inhibition can reduce tumor malignancy. Moreover, anti-cancer compounds including all-trans retinoic acid and plumbaging, among others, have been considered as inhibitors of EMT. The EMT association with chemoresistance has been evaluated. Moreover, ZEB1/2, TGF-β, Snail and Twist are EMT modulators in HCC and enhancing cancer invasion. Therefore, EMT mechanism and related molecular mechanisms in HCC are evaluated. The treatment of HCC has not been only emphasized on targeting molecular pathways with pharmacological compounds and since drugs have low bioavailability, their targeted delivery by nanoparticles promotes HCC elimination. Moreover, nanoparticle-mediated phototherapy impairs tumorigenesis in HCC by triggering cell death. Metastasis of HCC and even EMT mechanism can be suppressed by cargo-loaded nanoparticles.

Achieving precise cancer theranostics necessitates the rational design of smart nanosystems that ensure high biological safety and minimize non-specific interactions with normal tissues. In this regard, "bioinspired" membrane-coated nanosystems have emerged as a promising approach, providing a versatile platform for the development of next-generation smart nanosystems. This review article presents an in-depth investigation into the potential of these nanosystems for targeted cancer theranostics, encompassing key aspects such as cell membrane sources, isolation techniques, nanoparticle core selection, approaches for coating nanoparticle cores with the cell membrane, and characterization methods. Moreover, this review underscores strategies employed to enhance the multi-functionality of these nanosystems, including lipid insertion, membrane hybridization, metabolic engineering, and genetic modification. Additionally, the applications of these bioinspired nanosystems in cancer diagnosis and therapeutics are discussed, along with the recent advances in this field. Through a comprehensive exploration of membrane-coated nanosystems, this review provides valuable insights into their potential for precise cancer theranostics.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer, with high morbidity and mortality, which seriously threatens the health and life expectancy of patients. The traditional methods of treatment by surgical ablation, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and more recently immunotherapy have not given the expected results in HCC. New integrative combined therapies, such as photothermal, photodynamic, photoimmune therapy (PTT, PDT, PIT), and smart multifunctional platforms loaded with nanodrugs were studied in this review as viable solutions in the synergistic nanomedicine of the future. The main aim was to reveal the latest findings and open additional avenues for accelerating the adoption of innovative approaches for the multi-target management of HCC. High-tech experimental medical applications in the molecular and cellular research of photosensitizers, novel light and laser energy delivery systems and the features of photomedicine integration via PDT, PTT and PIT in immuno-oncology, from bench to bedside, were introspected. Near-infrared PIT as a treatment of HCC has been developed over the past decade based on novel targeted molecules to selectively suppress cancer cells, overcome immune blocking barriers, initiate a cascade of helpful immune responses, and generate distant autoimmune responses that inhibit metastasis and recurrences, through high-tech and intelligent real-time monitoring. The process of putting into effect new targeted molecules and the intelligent, multifunctional solutions for therapy will bring patients new hope for a longer life or even a cure, and the fulfillment of the myth of Prometheus.

To investigate the efficacy and safety of neutrophil membrane-coated nanoparticles mediated KLA peptides (KLAKLAKKLAKLAK) and gentamicin in the targeted therapy of anti-microbial resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumonia) lung infection.

The characteristics of KLA-neutrophils nanoparticles (NNPs) are identified via dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), SDS-PAGE, Western blot, quantitative flow cytometry (QFCM) and confocal microscopy. The safety of KLA-NNPs both in vitro and in vivo is evaluated by hemolysis test, platelet α granule membrane protein concentration, protein adsorption capacity, in vitro macrophage phagocytosis, weight change, liver function indicators, blood biochemical indicators, and pathological changes of vital organs in mice. The efficacy of KLA-NNPs is determined by time-kill assay, fluorescent label test, intracellular bacterial content, caspase-1 activity, survival rate, and HE staining both in vitro and in vivo.

The prepared KLA-NNPs have a typical "core-shell" structure, uniform nanometer size, and retain the membrane proteins on the neutrophil membrane that achieve functional effects. In vitro safety analysis showed that KLA-NNPs have good blood compatibility and can inhibit macrophage phagocytosis in vitro. KLA-NNPs can effectively release KLA and significantly reduce intracellular bacteria and caspase-1 activity. In vivo safety analysis and efficacy analysis revealed that KLA-NNPs have good biocompatibility and could effectively improve the survival rate of mice.

The prepared KLA-NNPs have good nano-medicine chemical and physical properties and safety. It can evade immune system clearance, achieve high-efficiency targeted aggregation and drug delivery to bacterial infection sites, and effectively inhibit the development of pneumonia induced by drug-resistant K. pneumonia.

Nanocarriers (NCs) have shown potential in delivering hydrophobic cytotoxic drugs and tumor-specific targeting. However, the inability to penetrate the tumor microenvironment and entrapment by macrophages has limited their clinical translation. Various cell-based drug delivery systems have been explored for their ability to improve circulation half-life and tumor accumulation capabilities. Tumors are characterized by high inflammation, which aids in tumor progression and metastasis. Immune cells show natural tumor tropism and penetration inside the tumor microenvironment (TME) and are a topic of great interest in cancer drug delivery. However, the TME is immunosuppressive and can polarize immune cells to pro-tumor. Thus, the use of immune cell membrane-coated NCs has gained popularity. Such carriers display immune cell-specific surface receptors for tumor-specific accumulation but lack cell machinery. The lack of immune cell machinery makes them unaffected by the immunosuppressive TME, meanwhile maintaining the inherent tumor tropism. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanism behind the movement of various immune cells toward TME, the preparation and characterization of membrane-coated NCs, and the efficacy of immune cell-mimicking NCs in tumor therapy. Regulatory guidelines and the bottlenecks in clinical translation are also highlighted. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Nanocarriers have been explored for the site-specific delivery of chemotherapeutics. However, low systemic circulation half-life, extensive entrapment by macrophages, and poor accumulation inside the tumor microenvironment prevent the clinical translation of conventional nanotherapeutics. Immune cells possess the natural tropism towards the tumor along the chemokine gradient. Hence, coating the nanocarriers with immune cell-derived membranes can improve the accumulation of nanocarriers inside the tumor. Moreover, coating with membranes derived autologous immune cells will prevent engulfment by the macrophages.

Cell membrane-camouflaged biomimetic functionalization of nanoparticles has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer theranostics. These cell membranes used for camouflaging are generally isolated from natural or engineered erythrocytes, neutrophils, macrophages, T lymphatic cells, stem cells, and cancer cells. The camouflaging strategy of coating nanoparticles with cell membranes allows for tumor homotypic targeting through self-recognition as source cells, immune evasion, and a prolonged blood circulation time, thereby improving the effective payload delivery and tumor therapy. More so, some engineered cell membranes with functionalized peptides, proteins and moieties on membrane surface can be transferred for therapy in the same time. In this review, we summarize the latest research on various types of cell membrane-camouflaged nanoparticles aimed at anti-cancer therapy, focusing on the biological advantages of different cell membranes, constitutions of nanoparticles, fabrication processes, key findings, potential therapies, and discuss the major challenges and future opportunities.

Natural types of cells display distinct characteristics with homotypic targeting and extended circulation in the blood, which are worthy of being explored as promising drug delivery systems (DDSs) for cancer therapy. To enhance their delivery efficiency, these cells can be combined with therapeutic agents and artificial nanocarriers to construct the next generation of DDSs in the form of biomimetic nanomedicines. In this review, we present the recent advances in cell membrane-based DDSs (CDDSs) and their applications for efficient cancer therapy. Different sources of cell membranes are discussed, mainly including red blood cells (RBC), leukocytes, cancer cells, stem cells and hybrid cells. Moreover, the extraction methods used for obtaining such cells and the mechanism contributing to the functional action of these biomimetic CDDSs are explained. Finally, a future perspective is proposed to highlight the limitations of CDDSs and the possible resolutions toward clinical transformation of currently developed biomimetic chemotherapies.

Nanoparticles (NPs) modified by cell membranes represent an emerging biomimetic platform that can mimic the innate biological functions resulting from the various cell membranes in biological systems. researchers focus on constructing the cell membrane camouflaged NPs using a wide variety of cells, such as red blood cell membranes (RBC), macrophages and cancer cells. Cell membrane camouflaged NPs (CMNPs) inherit the composition of cell membranes, including specific receptors, antigens, proteins, for target delivering to the tumor, escaping immune from clearance, and prolonging the blood circulation time, etc. Combining cell membrane-derived biological functions and the NP cores acted cargo carriers to encapsulate the imaging agents, CMNPs are widely developed to apply in tumor imaging techniques, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fluorescence imaging (FL) and photoacoustic imaging (PA). Herein, in this review, we systematically summarize the superior functions of various CMNPs in tumor imaging, especially highlighting the advanced applications in different imaging techniques, which is to provide the theoretical supports for the development of precise guided imaging and tumor treatment.