KLAKLAK-containing agents for attenuation of skin lesions in 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis-like inflammation: is that a new approach?

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with significant health and social importance. Unfortunately, currently there is no well-defined effective treatment. Thus, the search for new therapeutic approaches is currently ongoing. This study presents the clinical impact on skin inflammation induced by 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene in a rat model, after local treatment with the peptide (KLAKLAK)2-NH2 (Si1) and a shortened analogue containing non-proteinogenic amino acid β-Ala conjugated with 1,8-naphthalimide (Npht) as second pharmacophore (NphtG-KLβAKLβAK-NH2 (Si2)). The changes in skin lesions were estimated along with ear thickness determination, and plasma IL4 and IL13 levels evaluation. The results showed attenuation of skin lesions by NphtG-KLβAKLβAK-NH2 (Si2), accompanied by respective changes in ear thickness, and IL plasma levels. The beneficial effect of the topically applied specifically designed bioconjugate could be attributed to attenuation of skin inflammation due to the pro-apoptotic effect of KLAKLAK moiety on M2 macrophages engaged in the pathological process.