Nanozyme-driven remodeling of the immune microenvironment: from catalytic therapy to precise immune regulation

Abstract

Nanozymes have emerged as transformative tools for addressing critical challenges in diseases characterized by immune dysregulation, including cancer, chronic inflammation, and persistent infections. These enzyme-mimicking nanomaterials offer unique advantages in remodeling pathological immune microenvironments through their tunable catalytic activities and precise spatiotemporal control. This review systematically examines recent breakthroughs in nanozyme-based immunomodulation, highlighting their ability to induce immunogenic cell death and activate innate immune pathways in cancer therapy, simultaneously scavenge reactive species and reprogram macrophage polarization in inflammatory diseases, and disrupt microbial biofilms while resolving infection-associated immunosuppression. We critically analyze key innovations in single-atom catalysts, bioinspired delivery systems, and novel catalytic-immune mechanisms that enable targeted immune regulation. By elucidating fundamental structure–activity relationships and translational challenges, this review provides valuable insights for developing next-generation nanozyme immunotherapies with enhanced specificity and clinical potential. These advances establish nanozymes as powerful platforms for precision immunotherapy across a broad spectrum of immune-related disorders.