The new process uses so-called ‘black light’ (a form of ultraviolet light) that allows medical researchers to study inflammation and the immune system. It is hoped that the method can prove to be effective as a targeted therapy for inflammatory diseases. With the method, the researchers designed a small molecule which can control an immune response once it is exposed to light at a wavelength on the ultraviolet spectrum.
Discussing the concept in a research briefing, the principal researcher Professor Pamela Chang explains there are not a “lot of tools that are able to manipulate the immune system in a spatio-temporal fashion.”
Because of this, she adds: “we are pushing the forefront of developing new technologies to control inflammation and the immune system.”
The reason why medics are keen to control inflammation is due to the on-going damaging effects. Inflammation is a response by the body to fight infections. However, when inflammation becomes chronic it can lead to various diseases like asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. For this reason medics would like to be able to switch inflammation off.
With the study, Cornell University scientists created a probe that can inhibit a reaction controlled by enzymes called histone deacetylases. These enzymes regulate genes that turn on when the immune system is challenged by a pathogen. Switching this off stops the immune response. However, turning off the response for the entire body would be dangerous, whereas a targeted switching off would be of benefit and bring localized inflammation under control. This is where the ultraviolet light activator comes into play.
The research has shown, in animal models, how specific pathways can be turned on and off. This would, if replicated in a human, allow a medic to regulate chronic inflammation. Such a process would be termed a ‘photodynamic therapy.’
A further advantage of the method is it minimizes any side effects on healthy tissues. The research has been reported to the journal Chemical Science. The paper is titled “Chemical optogenetic modulation of inflammation and immunity.”
