Amorphous silicon dioxide nanoparticles modulate immune responses in a model of allergic contact dermatitis

Abstract

Amorphous silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiNPs) are ubiquitous, and they are currently found in cosmetics, drugs, and foods. Biomedical research is also focused on using these nanoparticles as drug delivery and bio-sensing platforms. Due to the high potential for skin exposure to SiNPs, research into the effect of topical exposure on both healthy and inflammatory skin models is warranted. While we observe only minimal effects of SiNPs on healthy mouse skin, there is an immunomodulatory effect of these NPs in a model of allergic contact dermatitis. The effect appears to be mediated partly by keratinocytes and results in decreases in epidermal hyperplasia, inflammatory cytokine release, immune cell infiltration, and a subsequent reduction in skin swelling. Additional research is required to further our mechanistic understanding and to validate the extent of this immunomodulatory effect in human subjects in order to assess the potential prophylactic use of SiNPs for treating allergic skin conditions.

The nanotopography of SiO2particles impacts the selectivity and 3D fold of bound allergens

“… 28 Furthermore, SiO 2 NPs were shown to exert an immunosuppressive effect in a mouse model of allergic contact dermatitis by decreasing the 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced cytokine expression and epidermal hyperplasia. 79 …”

Immunologically Inert Nanostructures as Selective Therapeutic Tools in Inflammatory Diseases

“…Silica NPs also act an immunomodulator itself on inflamed skin. In a model of allergic contact dermatitis Palmer et al reported that the acute topical exposure of amorphous SiNPs 20 nm in size decreased the epidermal hyperplasia, inflammatory cytokine release, T cell infiltration and the skin swelling [ 123 ]. An example of internalization of the encapsulated therapeutic peptide P140 into lupus B cells is shown in Figure 4 .…”

Nanotechnology-Based Vaccines for Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy: Potentials and Challenges of Conventional and Novel Adjuvants under Research

“…The small size of nanoparticles can improve their tissue permeation and thereby enhance the availability of particle-loaded antigen to the blood vessels and lymph nodes. Palmer et al studied the effect of transdermal delivery of amorphous silicon dioxide nanoparticles in a contact dermatitis allergy model, and reported their enhanced immunomodulatory potential [78]. This study compared the skin permeability of nano-vs. microparticles, showing improved penetration of nanoparticles (27.8 +/− 3.4 nm) compared to microparticles (557.6 +/− 35.1 nm) in the skin of mouse [78].…”

“…Palmer et al studied the effect of transdermal delivery of amorphous silicon dioxide nanoparticles in a contact dermatitis allergy model, and reported their enhanced immunomodulatory potential [78]. This study compared the skin permeability of nano-vs. microparticles, showing improved penetration of nanoparticles (27.8 +/− 3.4 nm) compared to microparticles (557.6 +/− 35.1 nm) in the skin of mouse [78]. Similarly, Hirai et al investigated the skin permeation and subcellular localization of monodisperse amorphous silica nanoparticles sized 70 nm, in mice, and demonstrated that the particles penetrated effectively through the skin barrier and were localized in the lymph nodes [79].…”