Unveiling the immune-modulating power of THz-FEL irradiation

J Photochem Photobiol B. 2024 Oct:259:113017. doi: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2024.113017. Epub 2024 Aug 22.

Abstract

As terahertz (THz) technology advances, the interaction between THz radiation and the living body, particularly its effects on the immune system, has attracted extensive attention but remains poorly understood. This study firstly elucidated that exposure to 3 THz-FEL radiation markedly suppressed contact hypersensitivity reactions in mice induced by DNFB, as evidenced by a reduction in ear thickness and a discernible recovery in the Th1/Th2 cell balance. 3 THz irradiation led to cellular stress in the irradiated skin locale, increasing the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 and modulating the activity and migration of dendritic cells and mast cells. Furthermore, THz irradiation precipitated a rapid alteration in the skin lipidome, altering several categories of bioactive lipids. These findings offer new insights into the immunomodulatory effects of THz radiation on living organisms and the potential underlying mechanisms, with implications for the development of therapeutic approaches in managing skin allergic diseases.

Keywords: Contact hypersensitivity; Immune tolerance; Lipidomics; Skin immunity; Terahertz radiation.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology
  • Dendritic Cells / radiation effects
  • Dermatitis, Contact / etiology
  • Dermatitis, Contact / immunology
  • Dinitrofluorobenzene
  • Female
  • Interleukin-10 / metabolism
  • Interleukin-4* / metabolism
  • Mast Cells* / immunology
  • Mast Cells* / radiation effects
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Skin* / radiation effects
  • Terahertz Radiation*
  • Th1 Cells / immunology
  • Th1 Cells / radiation effects
  • Th2 Cells / immunology
  • Th2 Cells / radiation effects

Substances

  • Interleukin-4
  • Interleukin-10
  • Dinitrofluorobenzene