Fig. 3

The targeted lymph node mechanisms of drug delivery systems (DDSs). A By modifying their surface charge, composition, and shape, DDSs possess the capability to elude phagocytosis activity by macrophages. B Benefitting from the EPR effect, DDSs can maintain a persistent presence within metastatic lymph nodes. C Leveraging the use of ligand-coupled NPs, DDSs have the potential to actively home in on targeted lymph nodes. D DDSs, when tailored to a specific size, gain the ability to infiltrate lymphatic vessels in substantial volumes. Created with BioRender.com