Immunosafe(r)-by-design nanoparticles: Molecular targets and cell signaling pathways in a next-generation model proxy for humans

Nanotechnology research covers a wide field of studies pointing to design and shape complex matter in a scale between 1 and 100 nm, with unique size-depending properties and applications. The value and potential of engineered nanoparticles in human diagnostics and therapies essentially relay on their safety and biocompatibility. Entering a cell, in fact, these particles take complex interactions with the surrounding biological environment, dramatically changing their own identity. The formation of a custom-made protein corona is the first signal of their interplay with the cell defensive mechanisms, and a major issue in their application in medicine. Preliminary in-depth studies in model organisms have been developed to assess immunological safety and competence in facing the host immune system and its defensive response. New affordable animal models are emerging in pilot nano-response and safety studies. Sea urchins, benthic marine Echinoderms, have a wide and very efficient immune system working with innate defense mechanisms and are widely used in immune studies. Nano-safety studies have been showing that the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus displays an excellent sensing system and high defensive capability, joined to the availability of easily accessible immune cells. As in mammals, nanoparticle recognition and interaction activate specific signaling pathways, metabolic rewiring and homeostasis maintenance. In this chapter, we point to the value of planning new research and developing nano-immune studies using an easy nonmammalian next-generation model, able to unravel new specific response mechanisms to nanoparticles.