The impact of photodynamic therapy on cellular immune function in patients with cervical HPV infection

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, a common sexually transmitted infection, can lead to cervical cancer. This study investigates the impact of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) on cellular immune function in cervical HPV-infected patients. Methods: From October 2022 to February 2023, 60 patients with cervical HPV infection were randomly assigned to a control group (conventional treatment) or a PDT group (PDT treatment), each with 30 patients. Peripheral blood samples and cervical tissue were collected before treatment, at 3 months, and at 6 months post-treatment. Flow cytometry assessed T-cell subsets (CD4+, CD8+, CD3+), and ELISA measured cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8). Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between the PDT and control groups. The PDT group showed significantly higher HPV clearance rates at 3-months (70.00%) and 6 months (100.00%) compared to the control group 43.33% and 80.00%, respectively (p < 0.05). PDT significantly increased CD3+ and CD4+ cell levels at 3- and 6-months post-treatment compared to controls (p < 0.05). CD8+ levels and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio also significantly increased in the PDT group at 6 months. Additionally, PDT significantly reduced IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α levels at 3- and 6-months post-treatment (p < 0.05). Conclusion: PDT enhances cellular immune function in cervical HPV-infected patients by increasing CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines. These findings highlight the potential of PDT in modulating immune responses and improving therapeutic strategies for cervical HPV infection.