Microglia-Targeted Nanotherapeutics in Major Depressive Disorder: An Integrative Perspective on Neuroinflammation and Drug Delivery.
| Title: | Microglia-Targeted Nanotherapeutics in Major Depressive Disorder: An Integrative Perspective on Neuroinflammation and Drug Delivery. |
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| Authors: | Silva PRD; Postgraduate Program of Dentistry (PPGO), Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil.; Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Drugs and Medicines Research, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil.; Postgraduate Program in Natural Synthetic and Bioactive Products, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil.; Barbosa NMMV; Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Drugs and Medicines Research, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil.; Postgraduate Program in Natural Synthetic and Bioactive Products, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil.; Leite JMDS; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, PE, Brazil.; Alves LP; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, PE, Brazil.; Andrade JC; Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Drugs and Medicines Research, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil.; Formiga ALD; Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (BioTecFarm), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Campus Universitário I, Federal University of Paraiba, Castelo Branco III-Cidade Universitária, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil.; Uchôa AFC; Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (BioTecFarm), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Campus Universitário I, Federal University of Paraiba, Castelo Branco III-Cidade Universitária, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil.; Neri LCD; Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Drugs and Medicines Research, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil.; Dias AL; Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Drugs and Medicines Research, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil.; Oliveira-Golzio AMF; Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Drugs and Medicines Research, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil.; Xavier-Júnior FH; Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (BioTecFarm), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Campus Universitário I, Federal University of Paraiba, Castelo Branco III-Cidade Universitária, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil.; Castro RD; Postgraduate Program of Dentistry (PPGO), Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil.; Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Drugs and Medicines Research, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil.; Postgraduate Program in Natural Synthetic and Bioactive Products, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil.; Felipe CFB; Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Drugs and Medicines Research, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil.; Postgraduate Program in Natural Synthetic and Bioactive Products, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil.; Scotti MT; Postgraduate Program in Natural Synthetic and Bioactive Products, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil.; Scotti L; Postgraduate Program in Natural Synthetic and Bioactive Products, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil.; Cheminformatics Laboratory, Institute of Drugs and Medicines Research, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil. |
| Source: | Pharmaceutics [Pharmaceutics] 2025 Dec 25; Vol. 18 (1). Date of Electronic Publication: 2025 Dec 25. |
| Publication Type: | Journal Article; Review |
| Language: | English |
| Journal Info: | Publisher: MDPI Country of Publication: Switzerland NLM ID: 101534003 Publication Model: Electronic Cited Medium: Print ISSN: 1999-4923 (Print) Linking ISSN: 19994923 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Pharmaceutics Subsets: PubMed not MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Original Publication: Basel, Switzerland : MDPI |
| Abstract: | Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent psychiatric condition characterized by complex neurobiological mechanisms, including oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, with microglial activation playing a key role in its pathophysiology. Conventional antidepressants, though widely used, often fail to achieve remission due to limited efficacy, adverse effects, and poor patient adherence. In this context, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems have emerged as promising strategies to overcome pharmacological limitations, enhance blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration, and target neuroinflammatory pathways. This narrative review explores the role of microglia as both mediators of neuroinflammation and potential therapeutic targets in MDD. We examine different nanocarriers and their ability to modulate microglial activation, promote a shift from a pro-inflammatory (M1) to an anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotype, and enhance antidepressant efficacy. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that nanoparticle-based systems not only improve drug bioavailability and brain targeting but also potentiate neuroprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress, promoting neurogenesis, and restoring synaptic plasticity. These findings highlight the potential of nanotechnology as a novel approach to precision neuropsychopharmacology. This review aims to provide an integrative perspective on how nanocarrier-based strategies targeting microglia could redefine future therapeutic paradigms for MDD. |
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| Contributed Indexing: | Keywords: drugs delivery; immunomodulation; neuroinflammation; neurological diseases |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20260128 Date Completed: 20260128 Latest Revision: 20260131 |
| Update Code: | 20260131 |
| PubMed Central ID: | PMC12844702 |
| DOI: | 10.3390/pharmaceutics18010027 |
| PMID: | 41599133 |
| Database: | MEDLINE |
Journal Article; Review