Topical miRNA Delivery via Elastic Liposomal Formulation: A Promising Genetic Therapy for Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE)

Abstract

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder with limited therapeutic options, particularly for refractory discoid lupus (DLE), which often results in scarring and atrophy. Recent studies have identified miR-31, miR-485-3p, and miR-885-5p as key regulators of inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis in CLE skin lesions. This research investigates a novel topical miRNA therapy using DDC642 elastic liposomes to target these pathways in CLE. DDC642 liposomes were complexed with miRNAs (anti-miR-31, anti-miR-485-3p, pre-miR-885-5p) and characterized through dynamic light scattering and Cryo-TEM. Cytotoxicity, cellular penetration, and therapeutic efficacy were evaluated in primary keratinocytes, PBMCs, and immune 3D-skin organoids. miRNA lipoplexes were successfully synthesized with optimized particle size, surface charge, and encapsulation efficiency. These lipoplexes exhibited effective cellular penetration and low cytotoxicity. Anti-miR-31 lipoplexes reduced miR-31 and NF-κB levels while increasing STK40 and PPP6C expression. Pre-miR-885-5p lipoplexes elevated miR-885-5p levels and downregulated PSMB5 and NF-κB in keratinocytes. While anti-miR-485-3p lipoplexes reduced T-cell activation markers. Anti-miR-31 and pre-miR-885-5p lipoplexes successfully modulated inflammatory pathways in 3D-skin CLE models. miRNA lipoplexes represent promising candidates for pioneering topical genetic therapies for CLE. Further studies, including animal models, are necessary to validate and optimize these findings.