Nanobiotechnology-enabled strategies for molecular and cellular imaging of lymph nodes

Lymph node (LN) imaging is central to the diagnosis, staging, and management of cancer, infectious diseases, and immune-related disorders. Precise visualization of cellular and molecular events in LNs, including tumor cell dissemination, immune cell dynamics, and disease-associated biomarkers, provides critical information for clinical decision-making. Recent progress in nanobiotechnology has driven the development of advanced imaging probes that integrate seamlessly with modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), fluorescence imaging, ultrasound, and optoacoustic imaging. These nanoscale platforms offer improved contrast, enhanced targeting, multimodal functionality, and the capacity to track complex biological interactions within LNs. In this review, we summarize current advances in nanotechnology-based probes for LN imaging, with an emphasis on probe design, multimodal integration, and translational applications. We further discuss challenges in clinical translation and highlight future directions for nanobiotechnology in LN diagnostics and imaging-guided therapy. Collectively, these developments are reshaping our understanding of LN biology and advancing the precision of disease diagnosis and treatment.