Delivery of Molecular Hydrogen for Precision Immunomodulation: Mechanisms, Detection Methods, and Applications.

Abstract

This review systematically examines the immunomodulatory properties of molecular hydrogen (H₂), focusing on three areas that prior nanomaterial-oriented reviews have insufficiently addressed: mechanistic pathways, in vivo detection methods, and advanced delivery system classification. H₂ is reported to support immune homeostasis through antioxidant activity, suppression of pro-inflammatory mediators, and inhibition of apoptotic signaling. Two unresolved challenges are highlighted: the incomplete mechanistic understanding of H₂-mediated immune regulation and the absence of precise detection tools needed to establish dose-efficacy relationships in living systems. By consolidating recent advances in H₂ delivery platforms alongside updated detection strategies, the review aims to provide a framework for developing precision immunomodulation approaches that leverage the physicochemical properties of H₂.

Mechanism

H₂ is proposed to maintain immune homeostasis by selectively scavenging reactive oxygen species, downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and inhibiting apoptotic signaling cascades, collectively supporting a balanced immune response.