DNA ointment can help treat dermatitis. This was demonstrated by a study by scientists from the University of Bonn, published in the journal. Molecular Therapy – Nucleic Acids.
DNA is a long molecule in which four different molecules are connected in a row, like letters in a sentence. In this case, the letter “A” can only be connected to the letter “T”, and “G” – to the letter “C”. This feature was used by the authors of the new study. They obtained small aptamer molecules that can bind to the substance CCL22.
CCL22 attracts immune cells, triggering an allergic reaction in the skin. The aptamers the scientists made stopped this process in mice. They were used as part of an ointment. The animals had reduced allergic skin reactions.
The study is the first to demonstrate the effectiveness of external use of aptamers. The scientists plan to test whether their approach could be effective in treating melanoma. Their results also need to be confirmed in human clinical trials.
Earlier scientists to create A new type of immune cell associated with rheumatoid arthritis and asthma.