Work

TRPV1 Blocker, Peptide HCRG21 from Sea Anemone Heteractis magnifica, Exhibits Effectiveness in Psoriasis and Dermatitis in In Vivo Models

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Psoriasis and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) are the most common chronic inflammatory diseases, which are accompanied by epithelial alterations and a T cell-mediated immunopathology. In this study, we investigated the anti-ACD and anti-psoriasis effects of sea anemone Heteractis magnifica peptide HCRG21, a blocker of the TRPV1 channel, in 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)- and imiquimod (IMQ)-induced mouse models, respectively. We found that topical application of 0.005–0.1% HCRG21 gels normalized hematological and immunological blood parameters in mice, significantly reduced the severity of ACD- and psoriasiform-like skin lesions, and increased the rate of tissue repair. The use of 0.005 and 0.05% HCRG21 gels decreased the production of IL-23-A and macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) proteins in blood plasma, reduced the expression of Tnf, Il1β, Il6, Il23a, and Il17a genes, but increased the levels of the Il10 gene in scabs and/or blood of IMQ-treated mice. On the other hand, topical application of 0.05 and 0.1% HCRG21 reduced the expression of Il6 and Il23a in the DNFB-treated mice’s blood and it had no significant effects on TNF-α and IL-1β production. Thus, HCRG21 has the potential to be a treatment for psoriasis and dermatitis due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties. This effect is achieved by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines associated with TRPV1 and normalizing immune cell levels in the bloodstream. This, in turn, leads to a decrease in clinical symptoms and an improvement in skin healing.

Source: International Journal of Molecular Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/ijms262110644