journal article·2026-06-02Open access

Wavelength‐Dependent Photobiomodulation Regulates Macrophage Polarization via Mitochondrial Dynamics and Metabolic Reprogramming

Qiusheng Shi, Hao Jia, Jianfei Dong, Linhao Li, Jingqi Cao, Xun Chen, Zhenzhen Jia, Jing Na, Zhijie Yang, Xinyuan Chen, Yubo Fan, Shuhua Yue, Lisha Zheng

Abstract

ABSTRACT Photobiomodulation (PBM) provides a non‐invasive means to regulate immune function, yet its clinical translation is hindered by a lack of mechanistic links between light parameters and biological outcomes. Here, we demonstrate that specific wavelengths act as metabolic switches that direct macrophage polarization through the selective engagement of distinct immunometabolic pathways. In both in vitro and in vivo wound healing models, 850‐nm light enhances fatty acid oxidation and lipid droplet–mitochondria interactions, driving anti‐inflammatory M2 polarization and accelerating tissue repair. Conversely, 625 nm light increases glycolytic flux and lactate production, promoting a pro‐inflammatory M1 state that delays healing. We identify mitochondrial dynamics as the key interface: 850 and 625 nm light promote mitochondrial fusion and fission, respectively, to dictate metabolic routing. Causality was confirmed via metabolic interventions, which reversed wavelength‐specific polarization outcomes. Together, these findings define photo‐immunometabolism as a wavelength‐dependent framework in which light regulates macrophage fate through coordinated control of mitochondrial dynamics and metabolism. This framework provides a mechanistic basis for precision, wavelength‐tailored PBM therapies for wound repair and other immune‐mediated inflammatory disorders.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Laser Applications in Dentistry and Medicine · Photodynamic Therapy Research Studies · Dermatologic Treatments and Research

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering Beihang University Beijing China

School of Future Science and Engineering Soochow University Suzhou China

Funding

National Key Research and Development Program of China · National Natural Science Foundation of China · Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality · Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities

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