Plasma Immunotherapy for Biomedical Applications

Plasma immunotherapy harnesses the unique properties of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) to modulate the immune system and promote therapeutic effects [1]. Plasma can modulate the immune response by activating immune cells such as dendritic cells, macrophages, and T lymphocytes. It enhances the phagocytic activity of macrophages, promotes antigen presentation by dendritic cells, and stimulates the proliferation and activation of T cells. These immunomodulatory effects can boost the body’s immune response against infections and tumors, leading to improved therapeutic outcomes [2]. In this report, we will introduce plasma immunotherapy for biomedical applications. For cancer therapy, the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in the regulation of tumor growth, metastasis, and therapeutic response. Plasma can activate immune cells in the TME, enhance the expression and presentation of tumor-associated antigens, induce tumor immunogenic cell death2, and improve the effect of immunotherapy [3, 4]. Plasma enhances DNA damage in cancer cells and induces a strong innate and adaptive, local and systemic anti-tumor immune response, thereby inhibiting tumor growth and potential metastatic spread. For inflammation, plasma acts extensively on various immune cells through redox reactions, regulates the release of local cytokines, and forms a microenvironment conducive to wound healing [5]. In addition, plasma promotes tissue regeneration by stimulating cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. It enhances the production of growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), which are essential for angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) and tissue repair.