NGO ameliorates psoriasis by modulating mitochondrial function and suppressing pSTAT3-IL-17-expressing CD8+ TRM cells
Tae Ho Kim1,2,3, Chae Rim Lee1,2,3, Kyoung Min Choi1,2,3
1Lab of Translational ImmunoMedicine (LaTIM), Catholic Research Institute of Medical Science, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222, Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.
Journal of Nanobiotechnology
|January 16, 2026
Summary
Nano-sized graphene oxide (NGO) shows promise for psoriasis treatment by reprogramming immune cells. It targets pathogenic T cells and enhances regulatory T cells, offering a potential durable therapy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Nanotechnology
- Mitochondrial Biology
Background:
- Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease driven by pathogenic T cells (TRM), leading to persistent inflammation and relapse.
- Current therapies offer limited durability due to inadequate targeting of key inflammatory pathways.
- Selective suppression of IL-17 and pSTAT3-expressing CD8+ TRM cells is needed for effective psoriasis treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of nano-sized graphene oxide (NGO) for psoriasis.
- To explore NGO's effects on mitochondrial function and immune cell signaling pathways.
- To evaluate NGO's efficacy in reducing pathogenic T cells and improving psoriatic lesions.
Main Methods:
- Treatment with nano-sized graphene oxide (NGO) in murine psoriasis models and human immune cells.
- Assessment of mitochondrial function, including oxygen consumption rate and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.
- Analysis of pSTAT3 and IL-17 signaling pathways, CD8+ TRM17 cell populations, and regulatory T cell expansion.
Main Results:
- NGO treatment enhanced mitochondrial function and reduced ROS production in immune cells.
- NGO suppressed pSTAT3 and IL-17 signaling, leading to a dose-dependent reduction in pathogenic CD8+ TRM17 cells.
- NGO alleviated skin lesions, reduced inflammation, and promoted regulatory T cell expansion in psoriatic models.
Conclusions:
- NGO demonstrates potent therapeutic effects in psoriasis by combining mitochondrial reprogramming with immune modulation.
- NGO attenuates pathogenic T cell responses and enhances regulatory T cell activity, suggesting a novel immunometabolic therapy.
- NGO shows promise as a candidate for durable psoriasis treatment by targeting key disease drivers.
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