Photodynamic Therapy: A Prospective Therapeutic Approach for Viral Infections and Induced Neoplasia
Ivan S Mfouo-Tynga1, Augustin G Mouinga-Ondeme1
1Unité des Infections Rétrovirales et Pathologies Associées, Centre International de Recherche Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville BP 769, Gabon.
Abstract:
The recent COVID-19 pandemic outbreak and arising complications during treatments have highlighted and demonstrated again the evolving ability of microorganisms, especially viral resistance to treatment as they develop into new and strong strains. The search for novel and effective treatments to counter the effects of ever-changing viruses is undergoing. Although it is an approved procedure for treating cancer, photodynamic therapy (PDT) was first used against bacteria and has now shown potential against viruses and certain induced diseases. PDT is a multi-stage process and uses photosensitizing molecules (PSs) that accumulate in diseased tissues and eradicates them after being light-activated in the presence of oxygen. In this review, studies describing viruses and their roles in disrupting cell regulation mechanisms and signaling pathways and facilitating tumorigenesis were described. With the development of innovative "or smart" PSs through the use of nanoparticles and two-photon excitation, among other strategies, PDT can boost immune responses, inactivate viral infections, and eradicate neoplastic cells. Visualization and monitoring of biological processes can be achieved in real-time with nanomedicines and better tissue penetration strategies. After photodynamic inactivation of viruses, signaling pathways seem to be restored but the underlying mechanisms are still to be elucidated. Light-mediated treatments are suitable to manage both oncogenic viral infections and induced neoplasia.
Insights
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers a novel approach to combat viral infections and cancer. This light-activated treatment shows potential in inactivating viruses and eradicating neoplastic cells, even restoring cellular pathways.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Biotechnology
- Photochemistry
Background:
- Microbial resistance to treatments, particularly viral strains, necessitates novel therapeutic strategies.
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT), a cancer treatment, is being explored for its efficacy against viral infections and related diseases.
- Viruses play a role in disrupting cellular regulation, signaling pathways, and promoting tumorigenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in combating viral infections and oncogenic processes.
- To explore the role of innovative photosensitizers (PSs) and delivery systems in enhancing PDT efficacy.
- To discuss the impact of PDT on viral inactivation and cellular pathway restoration.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies on viruses, tumorigenesis, and photodynamic therapy.
- Analysis of innovative photosensitizer (PS) development, including nanoparticles and two-photon excitation.
- Examination of real-time biological process monitoring using nanomedicines.
Main Results:
- PDT demonstrates potential in inactivating viral infections and eradicating neoplastic cells.
- Advanced PSs, coupled with nanomedicine, can enhance immune responses and improve treatment visualization.
- Restoration of signaling pathways post-viral inactivation by PDT is observed, though mechanisms require further elucidation.
Conclusions:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising light-mediated treatment for oncogenic viral infections and associated neoplasia.
- Innovative photosensitizers and nanomedicine delivery systems can significantly boost PDT's therapeutic potential.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying PDT's restorative effects on cellular signaling pathways.
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