Dendritic cell activation by iron oxide nanoparticles depends on the extracellular environment.

Nanoparticles can exert immune modulating effects in a host depending on composition, mode of administration, and type of disease. Although the specific mechanisms of nanoparticle-induced immune responses remain unclear, their uptake by macrophages and other phagocytic innate immune cells is considered to be a key event. Our objective here was to ascertain if nanoparticle-mediated activation of dendritic cells (DCs) occurs or when exposed to hydroxyethyl starch-coated iron oxide nanoparticles.