Light-induced reprogramming of pain signaling

Photopharmacology provides wavelength-dependent, spatiotemporally precise control of nociceptive signaling, thereby circumventing systemic toxicity, tolerance, and dependence. 

Red-shifted photo switches, photocages, wireless optoelectronics, and up conversion nanoparticles are advancing deep-tissue optical pharmacology.

Light-controlled modulation of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1, voltage gated sodium channels, two-pore domain potassium channels, metabotropic glutamate receptors, and GABAA receptors has produced reversible analgesia in preclinical pain models.

Photo released opioids, photo switchable antiepileptics, and light-reversible local anesthetics highlight a path toward precision pain therapy, but safety, chemistry, and closed-loop delivery remain key challenges.

https://www.cell.com/trends/pharmacological-sciences/fulltext/S0165-6147(26)00174-4

https://sciencemission.com/pain-signaling-through-photopharmacology