Title:Model Validity in Nanoimmunosafety: Advantages and Disadvantages of In vivo vs In vitro Models, and Human vs Animal Models
VOLUME: 2 ISSUE: 2
Author(s):Diana Boraschi and Paola Italiani
Affiliation:Institute of Protein Biochemistry (IBP), National Research Council (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
Keywords:Innate immunity, inflammation, nanomaterials, human, animal, in vitro, in vivo, safety.
Abstract:The thorough understanding of the interaction between nanomaterials and the immune system
is the starting point both for nanomaterial exploitation in nanomedicine and for the implementation of an
effective regulatory framework concerning nanosafety for human health and the environment. In this
context, the use of valid models, in vitro and in vivo, is central for assessing both the positive and the
detrimental effects of nanomaterials, thereby predicting their possible risks for human and environmental
health. Thus, predicting models are sought that allow us on one side defining hazard posed by
nanomaterials, and therefore implementing safety regulation and safe-by-design nanotechnologies, and on
the other side exploiting nanomaterials for more effective therapeutic and preventive medical strategies.
Here, we consider the advantages and limitation of the current in vitro and in vivo human and animal
models, and the appropriateness of their use for assessing the effects of nanomaterials on immunity.
