A recent study published in Communications Biology, a Nature Portfolio journal, by Bianka Morgner, Oliver Werz, Cornelia Wiegand and Jörg Tittelbach introduces a bilayered skin equivalent that closely mimics psoriasis. This innovative model bridges a critical gap in preclinical studies, offering unparalleled insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions.
Key Highlights:
Precision Modeling: The bilayered skin equivalent replicates hallmark features of psoriasis, including inflammation, hyperproliferation, and impaired differentiation, providing a controlled in vitro platform for preclinical testing.
Therapeutic Insights: The model successfully demonstrated treatment responses to topical agents highlighting its utility in evaluating anti-inflammatory and regenerative therapies.
Topical application of dexamethasone (DEX) or celastrol (CEL), a natural anti-inflammatory compound reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. DEX and CEL decreased the gene expression of inflammatory mediators. DEX barely affected the psoriatic AMP transcription but CEL downregulated psoriasis-driven AMP genes. Subcutaneous application of adalimumab (ADM) or bimekizumab (BMM) showed anti-psoriatic effects via protein induction of the differentiation marker keratin-10. Dual blockage of TNF-α and IL-17A repressed the inflammatory psoriasis phenotype. BMM inhibited the psoriatic expression of AMP genes and induced KRT10 and cell-cell contact genes. The present in vitro model provides a 3D environment with in vivo-like cutaneous responses and represents a promising tool for preclinical investigations.
Products Driving Success:
PELOBiotech’s Primary Dermal Fibroblasts and Insulin were instrumental in constructing the model, enabling physiological relevance and robust experimental outcomes.
This study represents a significant progress in psoriasis research, offering a versatile and predictive tool for advancing therapeutic development and enhancing our understanding of this complex disease. It underscores the potential of 3D models in revolutionizing skin disease studies, offering new hope for psoriasis patients worldwide.
Read the full study at Communications Biology here
