SARS-CoV-2 triggers a cytokine storm in the body, known as cytokine release syndrome (CRS), which results from an excessive immune response and leads to severe deterioration of the patient's health. This inflammatory storm often causes acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is often associated with multiple-organ failure, representing the leading causes of death in critical patients.

Nanomaterials have been exploited to adjust the immune response to an optimized level, and such proprieties might be explored to inhibit cytokine releases. Nanosystems can enhance the specificity/efficiency of immunosuppressant delivery to target immune cells, with consequent reductions in drug dose, drug distribution to non target tissues and organs, and possible side effects. Additionally, specific nanotools can be designed to evade the immune system and enhance the solubility of poorly soluble immunosuppressant agents; the potential of finely tuning their surface charge opens possibilities for encapsulation strategies and offers accommodation for a high drug load.

Using nanocarriers to achieve targeted delivery of immunosuppressive drugs, or the specific and controlled inhibition of only a specific immune cell subpopulation, can play a critical role in limiting complications such as sepsis due to underlying secondary bacterial infections.