Engineered Neutrophils in Translational Medicine: Gene Editing, Nanotechnology, and AI-Driven Clinical Breakthroughs.

Abstract

Engineered neutrophils, modified via advanced biotechnological tools, are emerging as pivotal agents in translational medicine. By integrating gene editing (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9), nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence (AI), these cells are redefining precision diagnostics and therapeutics. Gene editing enables precise reprogramming to enhance tumor-targeting, antimicrobial activity, and immune modulation. Nanotechnology facilitates neutrophil-bound drug delivery, improving targeting to inflamed or tumor sites while reducing off-target effects. Simultaneously, AI-driven platforms analyze multi-omics data to optimize engineering strategies and personalize treatments. These innovations demonstrate significant promise across clinical domains: in oncology, they deliver cytotoxic payloads and remodel the tumor microenvironment; in infectious diseases, they enhance pathogen clearance; and in autoimmune disorders, they dampen aberrant inflammatory responses. Despite this progress, challenges including off-target edits, short in vivo persistence, and immune rejection persist. The convergence of microfluidics and high-throughput screening, coupled with AI-driven monitoring, is essential to accelerate clinical translation. As interdisciplinary collaboration deepens, engineered neutrophils stand at the forefront of next-generation medicine, offering versatile, patient-tailored strategies to bridge the gap between bioengineering breakthroughs and clinical reality.