Topical delivery of Anti-VEGF nanomedicines for treating psoriasis

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by inflammation caused by the activation of the immune system. Although the etiology of psoriasis is still unknown, the crosstalk between immune cells, dermal vascular cells, and epidermal keratinocytes has been shown as a critical process. Curiously, the overexpression of vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF), which further propagates angiogenesis and cell proliferation, helps in the progression of the psoriasis plaque. Literature evidence shows the betterment of the psoriasis plaque when administering anti-VEGFA treatment. In our opinion, several other therapies targeting VEGF/VEGFR axis, such as employing peptides, RNAi and CRISPRi with nanocarriers as delivery strategy could redirect the therapeutic approach for the treatment of psoriasis. Collectively, this short communication highlights the significance of VEGFA, its downstream targets, and nanomedicines in the treatment of psoriasis. Nevertheless, continued research in this area could enable novel therapeutics and strategies to enter the market with a substantial social impact.