Light targets cells for death and triggers immune response with laser precision

Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have developed a method to target cells for inflammatory cell death using light, a process known as necroptosis. This precise targeting could lead to new treatments for cancer and inflammatory diseases. By making cells responsive to light through optogenetics, the team can focus the light beam to a smaller area than a single cell, allowing for the precise initiation of cell death pathways. This method not only kills the cell but also triggers an immune response by releasing chemicals that attract T cells, potentially aiding in cancer treatment. While the current application is limited to tissues close to the skin, the researchers plan to study its effects in mice and explore its potential for immune therapies. Understanding necroptosis could have implications for diseases like neurodegenerative conditions and inflammatory bowel disease. The study was supported by various institutions including the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.