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Review
. 2025 Feb;17(2):123-131.
doi: 10.1080/1750743X.2025.2470111. Epub 2025 Mar 3.

Light-based technologies in immunotherapy: advances, mechanisms and applications

Davide Frumento  1 , Ștefan Ţălu  2
Affiliations
Review

Light-based technologies in immunotherapy: advances, mechanisms and applications

Davide Frumento et al. Immunotherapy. 2025 Feb.

Abstract

Light-based immunotherapy uses specific wavelengths of light to activate or modulate immune responses. It primarily employs two mechanisms: direct activation of immune cells and indirect modulation of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Several light-based technologies are under investigation or clinical use in immunotherapy, including photodynamic immunotherapy (PDIT) and photothermal therapy (PTT). Optogenetic tools have the potential to precisely control T-cell receptor activation, cytokine release, or the activity of other immune effector cells. Light-based technologies present innovative opportunities within the realm of immunotherapy. The ability to precisely regulate immune cell activation via optogenetics, alongside the improved targeting of cancer cells through photoimmunotherapy, signifies a transformative shift in our strategies for immune modulation. Although many of these technologies remain in the experimental stage for various applications, initial findings are encouraging, especially concerning cancer treatment and immune modulation. Continued research and clinical trials are essential to fully harness the capabilities of light technology in the context of immune cell therapy.

Keywords: Immunotherapy; neoplasms; optogenetics; photodynamic immunotherapy; photodynamic therapy; photothermal therapy.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
PDT (Photodynamic Therapy) and PDIT (Photodynamic Immunotherapy) functioning mechanisms.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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