Nanoparticles and the Immune System: Safety and Effects

Nanoparticles and the Immune System provides a reference text for toxicologists, materials scientists and regulators and covers the key issues of interaction of nanomaterials with the immune system. The book discusses several issues that toxicologists and regulators need to know: identification of endpoints that are relevant for assessing hazard, evaluating impact on immunologically frail populations, and how to evaluate chronic/cumulative effects. In addition, the book addresses the possibility of turning the immunomodulating properties of certain nanomaterials to our advantage for amplifying immune responses in certain diseases or preventive strategies (e.g. vaccination).

Raises the awareness of the importance of knowing the effects of the new nanomaterials on our immune system

1. Introduction. How innate and adaptive immunity work
2. Nanoparticles and innate immunity (recognition, reaction/healing vs. chronic inflammation)
3. Nanoparticles and adaptive immunity (T and B cells, antibodies, antigen presentation, autoimmunity)
4. Nanoparticles and allergy/hypersensitivity
5. Nanoparticles and immunological frailty (risk groups)
6. Nanoparticles in medicine
7. Nanoparticles and environmental immunity
8. Summary. Nanoparticle properties vs. immunological mechanisms
9. Conclusions and outlook