Influencing inter-cellular junctions with nanomaterials

Cell-cell junctions are essential for maintaining tissue integrity and regulating a wide range of physiological processes. While the disruption of intercellular junctions may lead to pathological conditions, it also presents an opportunity for therapeutic interventions. Nanomaterials have emerged as promising tools for modulating cell-cell junctions, offering new avenues for innovative treatments. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the various nanomaterials interaction with cell-cell junctions. We discussed their underlying mechanisms, heterogenous effects on cellular behavior, and the therapeutic strategies of applying nanomaterial-induced intercellular junction disruption. Additionally, we address the challenges and opportunities involved in translating these strategies into clinical practice and discuss future directions for this rapidly advancing field. [Display omitted] •Heterogeneous nanomaterials influence cell-cell junctions based on their unique physicochemical properties.•Nanomaterials induced controllable cell-cell junction leakiness enhances drug delivery for disease therapies.•Biologically derived nanostructures impact cell-cell junctions in disease development.•Off-target nanomaterial-induced cell-cell junction disruption raises significant nanosafety concerns.