Advancements in Photodynamic Therapy for Tuberculosis Treatment

The emergence of drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), coupled with lengthy treatment cycles and adverse side effects of traditional therapies, poses a significant global challenge in the form of tuberculosis (TB). Photodynamic therapy (PDT) generates reactive oxygen species that target specific tissues or cells via light irradiation. Research has found that PDT can enhance the sensitivity of Mtb to antibiotics, shorten the treatment duration, and reduce the incidence of drug resistance. Moreover, it can serve as an adjunct to conventional anti-TB drugs to improve therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we discuss the principles and mechanisms of PDT, explore the applications of various photosensitizers in TB treatment, and deliberate on strategies to enhance the antimicrobial effects of PDT. Finally, we anticipate the future research trends of PDT to promote further advances in TB treatment.