New research from the University of Birmingham has revealed that a tripeptide—composed of three amino acids—could help relieve symptoms of psoriasis when applied through a topical cream.
Published in Pharmacological Research, the study focused on a peptide called PEPITEM, which naturally occurs in the body and plays a role in regulating inflammation. Researchers found that both PEPITEM and a smaller tripeptide version significantly reduced the severity of psoriasis. Their effects were comparable to steroid creams, which are commonly used for the condition.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease where the skin cells multiply too quickly, causing scaly patches that can be itchy, painful, and even crack or bleed. It is triggered by an overactive immune system, and the condition tends to flare up in cycles.
Currently, psoriasis is often treated with emollients or creams containing ingredients like vitamin D analogues, corticosteroids, or retinoids. However, these treatments can only be used for short periods due to side effects. On the other hand, PEPITEM and its tripeptide version are natural molecules, meaning they are less likely to cause these unwanted effects.
In its natural form, PEPITEM is made up of 14 amino acids. However, the team of researchers, led by Professors Ed Rainger from the University of Birmingham and Francesco Maione from the University of Naples, focused on identifying smaller sections of the molecule that could impact immune cells and inflammation.
They found that two sequences of three amino acids showed the same biological activity as the full-length PEPITEM molecule. After optimizing these tripeptides for better stability, the team tested their effectiveness in reducing immune cell activation—a key feature of inflammatory diseases. The results showed that these sequences had similar effects to the original PEPITEM.
Researchers from the University of Naples then applied the most effective tripeptide sequence to an animal model of psoriasis. After seven days of daily application using an emollient cream, the animals showed a clear reduction in disease severity. The results were measured using the PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index), a tool commonly used in clinical practice to assess psoriasis severity.
Importantly, the study found that both the full PEPITEM molecule and the tripeptide sequence reduced the PASI score by 50%. This was on par with the effects of Clobetasol Propionate 0.05%, a potent steroid cream.
Professor Ed Rainger, co-lead of the study, said, “There is a clear need for new treatments for psoriasis that can be used continuously without causing significant side effects. Our findings suggest that PEPITEM-derived peptides could be a promising option for long-term psoriasis care.”
The study also suggests that these peptides could be combined with existing treatments for psoriasis to reduce the need for higher doses of steroids, a strategy known as a “steroid-sparing” approach.
Further research revealed that both PEPITEM and its tripeptide derivatives are strong regulators of inflammation. They influence the synthesis of molecules that recruit immune cells and cause cell growth in skin tissues, which are key factors in psoriasis development.
Rainger added, “We have pinpointed the components of the PEPITEM molecule responsible for its effects and developed smaller peptides that can have a more powerful impact on the skin’s inflammatory processes. These smaller peptides are easier to produce and may have a significant advantage in therapeutic use.”
This study is part of a broader research program exploring the potential of PEPITEM in treating other chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and lupus.
The University of Birmingham has filed multiple patents for PEPITEM and its components, which are crucial in maintaining a normal immune response.
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