The Importance of Neutrophils in PDT

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is believed to exert a therapeutic effect by attacking pathological cells (cancer cells, microorganisms, etc.) with the active oxygen species which originate from photoexcited photosensitizers. Recent studies, however, suggest that PDT-induced immunological reactions are also play an important role in the therapeutic effect. Therefore, this review discusses the PDT effects on neutrophils, which work as an innate immunity, and refers to the actions of PDT-activated neutrophils on lesions.