Photobiomodulation as a Therapeutic Strategy in Allergic and Obstructive Airway Diseases: Mechanisms, Dosimetry, and Clinical Translation

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) represents a rapidly advancing field at the intersection of respiratory medicine and biophotonics. In recent years, PBMT has gained attention as a promising non-pharmacological intervention capable of modulating immune responses and attenuating inflammation in chronic pulmonary conditions. Preclinical research has revealed that PBMT can suppress Th2-driven inflammation, reduce eosinophilic infiltration, and attenuate airway remodelling, suggesting potential applications in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and their overlapping forms. However, despite the biological plausibility and experimental consistency of these findings, the translation of PBMT to clinical practice remains limited. Challenges related to inconsistent dosimetry, lack of consensus on treatment parameters, and insufficient large-scale clinical evidence continue to hinder its broader implementation.

This Research Topic aims to consolidate current understanding and stimulate novel research exploring how PBMT can be effectively and safely applied in allergic and obstructive airway diseases. By integrating basic, translational, and clinical perspectives, this collection seeks to clarify the underlying photobiological mechanisms, identify therapeutic windows for optimal dose delivery, and evaluate the physiological and clinical benefits in human subjects. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding dose–response relationships, immune regulation pathways, and combination strategies with conventional therapies to enhance treatment outcomes.

To gather further insights into the therapeutic potential and translational development of PBMT, we welcome contributions that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:
- Mechanistic studies elucidating immune and inflammatory modulation by PBMT in airway tissues
- Optimisation and standardisation of dosimetric parameters in preclinical and clinical settings
- Translational research exploring PBMT in asthma, COPD, and overlapping phenotypes
- Comparative studies combining PBMT with pharmacological or rehabilitation strategies
- Development of clinical protocols, safety guidelines, and outcome measures for PBMT applications
- Computational or imaging-based approaches for dose modelling and photonic tissue interaction analysis.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• ... View all formats

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Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Photobiomodulation therapy, PBMT, airway remodeling, allergy

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.