A cross-linked anti-TNF-α aptamer for neutralization of TNF-α-induced cutaneous Shwartzman phenomenon: A simple and novel approach for improving aptamers' affinity and efficiency

Topical anti-TNF-a ssDNA aptamer decreased the imiquimod induced psoriatic inflammation in BALB/c mice

BACKGROUND

Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) is a pro-inflammatory factor that plays a pivotal role in psoriasis. Due to limitations of monoclonal antibody-based therapies, it is needed to discover new anti-TNF-α factors instead of usual anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibodies. Compared to antibodies, single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules named aptamers, have advantages such as time-saving, less risk for immunogenicity and cost-effectiveness. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the therapeutic effects of T1-T4 dimer anti-TNF-ɑ ssDNA aptamer topical treatment in the imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis animal model.

METHODS

5% IMQ cream was prescribed on the right ear of BALB/c to induce psoriasis model. The hydrogel-containing anti-TNF-ɑ aptamer or treatment control aptamer (anti- Interleukin (IL)17A) was topically prescribed to the mice's ears 10 min before IMQ cream treatment. The psoriasis area severity index (PASI) score was used to evaluate psoriasis intensity. Histopathology analysis was done for mice ears sections. Mass, size, and cell number of mice spleens were measured. The IL-17 level was determined in culture supernatants of axillary lymph node cells using ELISA. The mRNA expression levels of IL-17A, IL-1β, STAT3, and S100a9, were evaluated in mice treated ear with quantitative Real Time-PCR.

RESULTS

The anti-TNF-ɑ ssDNA aptamer lower doses had significant decrease in IMQ-induced PASI score (p < 0.05). In addition, in these groups, the IL-17A, STAT3, and S100a9 mRNA levels were significantly lower than the IMQ group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

According to our findings, this aptamer seems to be a prospective candidate for treating psoriatic inflammation especially in lower concentrations.

Plaque-type psoriasis inhibitors

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disorder, which is mediated by the immune system and affects 1-4% of the world's population. Psoriasis is caused by a complex interaction between the immune system, autoantigens, psoriasis-associated genetic factors, and various environmental factors. As a chronic disease requiring long-term treatment, psoriasis is associated with follow-up costs and an economic burden on the patients, their families, and healthcare systems. The current treatments for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis include topical therapy, phototherapy, and systemic drugs consisting of biological/non-biological drugs. Within the past two decades, recent biological therapies for psoriasis have rapidly advanced. Moreover, new bispecific agents have the potential for better disease control, while small molecule drugs offer a future alternative to biological drugs and the more cost-effective, long-term treatment of the disease. The present study aimed to review updated data regarding the inhibitors used to improve plaque psoriasis that contain biologics, bispecific agents, small molecules, and aptamers (either approved or in the research phase).