Light Metabolically Reprograms CD8⁺ T Cells to Potentiate STING-Driven Tumor Eradication and Prevent Metastasis

Immunotherapy remains ineffective in many solid tumors due to poor T-cell infiltration and a metabolically suppressive tumor microenvironment. A dual strategy combining low-level light (LLL) therapy with a nanoscale stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonist formulation (nanoSTING@Mn) is presented to enhance immune activation and metabolic fitness for durable tumor immunity against T-cell lymphoma (EL4) model. NanoSTING@Mn, composed of ADU-S100 complexed with Mn²⁺ and encapsulated in biomimetic liposomes, potently activates the cGAS-STING pathway, induces a type I interferon response, and promotes lymphocyte infiltration. These monocytes polarize into M1 macrophages, suppressing regulatory T cells. Simultaneously, LLL photo-biomodulation reprograms mitochondrial metabolism in tumor-infiltrating CD8⁺ T and natural killer cells, restoring their durability and leading to complete local tumor eradication. This combination expands a distinct CD8⁺ T-cell subset with Tcf-1⁺ progenitor-exhausted features and elevated memory/effector gene expression, enhancing proliferation and cytotoxicity, as shown by single-cell RNA sequencing. Intranasal nanoSTING@Mn delivery mobilizes these LLL-revived T cells to the lung, where they differentiate into resident memory T cells and establish systemic antitumor immunity. Upon intravenous rechallenge, disseminated tumor cells are eliminated, preventing metastasis and ensuring long-term protection. This synergistic approach offers a scalable platform to boost immunotherapy efficacy and redefines immune-based metastasis prevention strategies.