Topic nanovectors for targeted gene therapy of cutaneous psoriasis

Challenge: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that manifests itself as scaly patches, especially on the elbows, knees and scalp. The skin undergoes a profound modification of the epidermis, with an infiltration of inflammatory cells and increased proliferation of skin cells. Inflammatory modulators called Interleukin (IL) -17 and -23 have been identified as key factors in this disease. These are the same modulators that are targeted by current clinical therapies. However, the prolonged use of these therapies leads to side effects in patients. Other elements to consider are the cost and the route of administration, which limit the availability of treatments.

Solution : This research project aims at introducing, directly on the skin, nanovectors (NV) complexed with small interfering RNAs (siRNA) to block the production of IL-17 and IL-23.  The research team will develop an NV that enhances the stability and cell trafficking of siRNA to serve as a gene therapy cream on the skin. This has the greatest potential for efficient delivery of genes to the skin to potentiate the therapeutic effect.

Expected achievements/impacts: This research will lead to the development of a non-injectable more effective, less expensive, and more targeted non-injectable cutaneous gene therapy for the treatment of psoriasis. In addition, the realization of the project will bring great visibility to the technology offered by the industrial partner, NanoGene, positioning it at the forefront of the national scene as supplier of this vector, which is still rare on the biopharmacological products market.