Photodynamic Therapy for Genital Warts Causes Activation of Local Immunity

Background:5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (PDT) for genital warts is effective, safe, and can prevent recurrence. It is believed that PDT can induce immune responses, but the mechanism is not completely understood.Objectives:The objectives of this article are to confirm the effect of PDT for genital warts on local immunity and to investigate the recruitment and significance of immune cells in tissues.Methods:Local immune changes in T lymphocytes (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+), plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) (CD123+), and myeloid dendritic cells (CD1a+) after PDT in patients were evaluated by immunohistochemistry staining. Changes in mRNA levels of IFN-γ, IFN-α, IFN-s, interferon-stimulated gene 15 kDa (ISG-15), Mx2, Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), and interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7) were analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results:At 4 hours after PDT, CD4+ increased, accompanied by increased levels of mRNA expression of IFN-γ, but CD4+ and mRNA expression levels of IFN-γ ...