Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 5, 2026

Murine Model of Epicutaneously-Induced Immunomodulation
Published on: June 24, 2025
Hybrid membrane-coated motors for atopic dermatitis therapy via pruritus relief and ILC2 suppression
Demengjie Le1, Hailin Wang1, Zhiwen Zhang2
1Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510515, China.
Abstract:
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disorder characterized by intense pruritus, xerosis, and erythema. Its pathogenesis involves hyperactivation of type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) and excessive accumulation of interleukin-31(IL-31). Moreover, over-colonization of Staphylococcus aureus exacerbates inflammation and skin barrier damage. Targeting pruritus and restoring immune and microbiota homeostasis are crucial for AD management. Herein, we developed a near-infrared-responsive anti-pruritic motor for AD treatment. The motor is encapsulated in a hybrid membrane armor composed of Cutibacterium acnes cell wall and keratinocytes membrane, enabling targeted ILC2 downregulation for immunomodulation and effective clearance of free IL-31 for pruritus relief. Inside the armor, a janus bowl-shaped polydopamine (Bowl-PDA) exhibits NIR-responsive motion under NIR irradiation, significantly enlarging the clearance area of the membrane armor. Concurrently, Zn2+ released from the system effectively inhibits Staphylococcus aureus colonization. This integrated motor significantly reduced erythema and scratching-related indices, restored skin barrier and microbiota function, normalized ILC homeostasis by downregulating IL-33-ILC2 axis and suppressed IL-31-TRPV1 pruritic signaling. Collectively, this strategy demonstrates robust anti-pruritic efficacy, coordinated remodeling of immune and microbiota homeostasis, offering a promising platform for precision AD therapy.
