Precision Nanomedicines in Treating Autoimmune Disorders

The immune system’s aberrant targeting of self-tissues causes autoimmune disorders, which result in chronic inflammation that can affect one or more organs. These disorders are caused by a breakdown of immune tolerance, which is typified by the generation of autoantibodies and the activation of autoreactive T cells. They are impacted by a complex interaction between environmental triggers and genetic susceptibility. The main goals of current treatment approaches are to suppress immune responses and reduce clinical symptoms; however, they do not offer a permanent cure and are frequently linked to significant side effects and limited efficacy, especially with longer-term use and more recent immunomodulatory therapies. In this regard, nanomedicine has become a novel and promising strategy for the treatment of autoimmune disorders. Polymeric nanoparticles and liposomal formulations are examples of nanoscale drug delivery systems that allow the targeted and regulated delivery of immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory drugs. These tactics lower systemic toxicity, increase therapeutic precision, improve drug bioavailability, and aid in the restoration of immunological tolerance. Thermo-responsive liposomal methotrexate formulations and PLGA-based nanoparticles for cyclosporine A delivery are two notable examples of how nanomedicine can improve safety and efficacy in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. This chapter aims to provide a comprehensive overview of precision nanomedicine approaches in the treatment of autoimmune disorders, with a particular focus on the design, mechanisms, and therapeutic advantages of nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems. The chapter highlights how nanomedicine can overcome the limitations of conventional therapies by enabling targeted immunomodulation, minimizing adverse effects, and paving the way toward more personalized and effective management strategies for autoimmune diseases.