Mimic, target, and adapt: Cell membrane‐coated nanoplatforms for precision and immune‐guided cancer treatment

Cell membrane‐coated nanoparticles (CM‐NPs) are emerging as immune‐intelligent nanoplatforms capable of integrating precise tumor targeting with immunological functionality. By harnessing the native surface architecture of donor membranes—particularly from cancer or immune cells—CM‐NPs achieve immune evasion, homotypic recognition, and enhanced intratumoral retention. Beyond passive delivery, these constructs can promote antigen cross‐presentation and T‐cell priming, rendering them especially effective in immune‐excluded or antigen‐scarce tumors. Precision functionalization strategies, including aptamer‐guided targeting, peptide‐mediated infiltration, and magnetically navigable systems, further extend their therapeutic reach. A transformative advance lies in the use of autologous tumor‐derived membranes, preserving patient‐specific antigenicity and glycosylation profiles vital for adaptive immune engagement. Recent innovations in synthetic biology now enable programmable membrane design, supporting site‐specific ligand attachment while maintaining immune stealth. Although challenges remain—ranging from membrane orientation fidelity to GMP‐scale manufacturing—advances in microfluidics, quality control analytics, and real‐time biomanufacturing are narrowing the translational gap. Together, CM‐NPs represent a modular, adaptive therapeutic paradigm uniquely suited to align with the immunogenomic complexity of cancer, offering a pathway toward truly personalized and responsive immunotherapy.