The multivalency game ruling the biology of immunity

Macrophages are important cells in our immune system that help maintain our tissues' health and protect us from harmful pathogens. This article explores the complexity of macrophage function, including their developmental origin and dependence on different tissues, both in normal and disease conditions. Understanding the differences between macrophages in various tissues and their unique activation states is crucial for developing effective targeted therapies, especially in diseases like tuberculosis. One approach is to use nanoparticles with ligands that can specifically target certain macrophage populations based on their receptor profiles. However, designing these nanoparticles requires overcoming challenges such as the polymer coating on the nanoparticle and the cell glycocalyx, which can impede their association.