Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy in immuno-oncology: tracking tumor heterogeneity, cell death, and immune response dynamics
- Authors: Khuzina A.R.1, Turubanova V.D.1,2
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Affiliations:
- Sirius University of Science and Technology
- National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod
- Issue: Vol 20, No 4 (2025)
- Pages: 296-310
- Section: Reviews
- URL: https://journals.rcsi.science/2313-1829/article/view/381685
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.17816/gc678542
- EDN: https://elibrary.ru/OHCOJW
- ID: 381685
Cite item
Abstract
Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) has developed significantly over the past two decades and is now a powerful tool in biomedical research. Recent advances in fluorescent probes have greatly expanded the range of its potential applications. As fluorescence lifetime is highly sensitive to microenvironmental and molecular changes, FLIM is a promising technique for detecting pathological conditions, including cancer, and monitoring the efficacy of antineoplastic therapies. This technology allows for the observation of tumor structure and the real-time monitoring of dynamic processes, enabling researchers to probe living cancer cells and their microenvironment with remarkable precision. FLIM is especially valuable for developing and evaluating immunotherapeutic strategies. In solid tumor therapy; in particular, it is crucial to assess how treatment affects tumor metabolism and heterogeneity, cell death mechanisms, and immune response dynamics.
This review provides a comprehensive analysis of current research supporting the feasibility of FLIM as a key research technique to advance cancer immunotherapy.
About the authors
Alina R. Khuzina
Sirius University of Science and Technology
Email: huzinaar@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0009-0007-9873-7471
Russian Federation, Sirius
Victoria D. Turubanova
Sirius University of Science and Technology; National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod
Author for correspondence.
Email: turubanova@neuro.nnov.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-4648-0738
SPIN-code: 8262-6560
Cand. Sci. (Biology)
Russian Federation, Sirius; Nizhny NovgorodReferences
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