Preventative effects of the partial RANKL peptide MHP1-AcN in a mouse model of imiquimod-induced psoriasis

Sci Rep. 2019 Oct 28;9(1):15434. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-51681-0.

Abstract

We recently developed a partial peptide of receptor activator of nuclear factor-кB ligand (RANKL) known as microglial healing peptide 1 (MHP1-AcN), that inhibits Toll-like receptor (TLR)-related inflammation through RANKL/RANK signaling in microglia and macrophages without promoting osteoclast activation. The abnormal activation of TLRs contributes to the initiation and maintenance of psoriasis, which is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that involves the aberrant expression of proinflammatory cytokines and the subsequent dermal γδ T cell and T helper 17 (Th17) cell responses. The inhibition of TLR-mediated inflammation provides an important strategy to treat psoriasis. Here, we examined the preventative effects of MHP1-AcN in a mouse model of imiquimod (a TLR 7/8 agonist)-induced psoriasis. Topical imiquimod application induced psoriasis-like skin lesions on the ear and dorsal skin. Systemic administration of MHP1-AcN by daily subcutaneous injection significantly prevented the development of skin lesions, including erythema, scaling and thickening. Mice treated with MHP1-AcN showed reduced levels of skin Il6 mRNA at 32 h and reduced levels of Il23 and Il17a mRNA at d9. Serum levels of IL-6 and IL-23 were reduced at 32 h, and IL-17A was reduced at d9. These results indicated that MHP1-AcN could decrease imiquimod-induced IL-6, IL-23 and IL-17A production. MHP1-AcN is potentially an alternative treatment for psoriasis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cytokines / immunology*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Imiquimod / toxicity*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Peptides / pharmacology*
  • Psoriasis* / chemically induced
  • Psoriasis* / immunology
  • Psoriasis* / pathology
  • Psoriasis* / prevention & control
  • RANK Ligand / chemistry*

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Peptides
  • RANK Ligand
  • Tnfsf11 protein, mouse
  • Imiquimod