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Updated: Apr 2, 2026
Murine Model of Epicutaneously-Induced Immunomodulation
Published on: June 24, 2025
Suppression of atopic dermatitis in mice model by reducing inflammation utilizing phosphatidylserine-coated
Purnima Kumar1, Md Zahangir Hosain2, Jeong-Hun Kang3
1a Faculty of Engineering, Department of Applied Chemistry , Kyushu University , 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395 , Japan.
Abstract:
Controlling inflammatory response is important to avoid chronic inflammation in many diseases including atopic dermatitis (AD). In this research, we tried using a phosphatidylserine (PS)-coated microparticles in the AD mouse model for achieving the modulation of the macrophage phenotype to an anti-inflammatory state. Here, we prepared poly (D,L-lactic acid) microparticle coated with PS on the outside shell. We confirmed the cellular uptake of the PS-coated microparticle, which leads to the significant downregulation of the inflammatory cytokine production. In the mouse model of AD, the PS-coated microparticle was injected subcutaneously for a period of 12 days. The mice showed significant reduction in the development of AD symptoms comparing with the mice treated with the PC-coated microparticle.
Insights
Phosphatidylserine (PS)-coated microparticles effectively reduced atopic dermatitis (AD) symptoms in mice by reprogramming macrophages to an anti-inflammatory state, decreasing inflammatory cytokines.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Materials Science
- Dermatology
Background:
- Chronic inflammation, as seen in atopic dermatitis (AD), necessitates strategies to control inflammatory responses.
- Macrophages play a critical role in regulating inflammation, with their phenotype influencing disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of phosphatidylserine (PS)-coated microparticles in modulating macrophage phenotype towards an anti-inflammatory state.
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of PS-coated microparticles in an established mouse model of atopic dermatitis.
Main Methods:
- Poly (D,L-lactic acid) microparticles were synthesized and coated with phosphatidylserine (PS).
- Cellular uptake of PS-coated microparticles and their effect on inflammatory cytokine production were confirmed in vitro.
- PS-coated microparticles were administered subcutaneously to a mouse model of AD over 12 days.
Main Results:
- PS-coated microparticles were effectively taken up by cells, leading to significant downregulation of inflammatory cytokine production.
- Mice treated with PS-coated microparticles exhibited a significant reduction in atopic dermatitis symptom development.
- Control treatment with PC-coated microparticles did not yield comparable therapeutic effects.
Conclusions:
- Phosphatidylserine-coated microparticles demonstrate a promising strategy for modulating macrophage phenotype to an anti-inflammatory state.
- PS-coated microparticles effectively ameliorate atopic dermatitis symptoms in a preclinical mouse model.
- This approach offers a potential new therapeutic avenue for managing inflammatory skin conditions like AD.
