Bilateral Synergistic Effects of Phototherapy-Based NIR-II Absorption Photosensitizer for Allergic Rhinitis

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Immunology

Background:

• Allergic rhinitis (AR) affects 3 billion people globally, with increasing incidence.
• Current pharmacotherapies for AR have limited efficacy and significant side effects.
• Novel therapeutic strategies are needed for effective AR management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop aza-BODIPY-based nanoparticles (RH@NPs) for combined photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT).
• To investigate the synergistic therapeutic effects of RH@NPs in a mouse model of AR.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of phototherapy in AR treatment.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of aza-BODIPY-based nanoparticles (RH@NPs) with enhanced NIR-II absorption.
• Application of PTT and type I PDT using RH@NPs for AR treatment in mice.
• Analysis of epigenetic regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated genes and NRF2 transcriptional activity.

Main Results:

• RH@NPs demonstrated synergistic PTT and PDT effects, significantly reducing allergic responses in a mouse model.
• PTT enhanced HSF1 DNA-binding activity, inhibiting EMT by epigenetically regulating associated genes.
• PDT activated NRF2 transcriptional activity, stimulating the antioxidant defense system.
• The phototherapy approach showed enhanced safety compared to conventional treatments.

Conclusions:

• RH@NPs offer a novel and effective physical therapy for AR by mechanically reducing the allergic response.
• This study is the first to explore phototherapy for AR, detailing its mechanism of action.
• The developed photosensitizer-based therapy presents a straightforward and efficient treatment strategy for AR.