-Derived Exosomes Enhance Skin Barrier Integrity by Upregulating Key Barrier-Related Proteins.

INTRODUCTION

The human skin, comprising the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous fat layers, serves as a critical barrier against external stimuli. The integrity of this barrier function is essential for preventing skin damage and diseases. When compromised, it can lead to various dermatological issues.

METHODS

This study investigated the efficacy of J2K55-derived exosomes (LBDEs) on enhancing skin barrier function. High-purity LBDEs were produced and characterized using nanoparticle tracking analysis and Cryo-TEM, concentrated to 1.52×10 particles/mL with sizes ranging from 50 to 200 nm. The LBDEs were then applied to human keratinocytes, HaCaT cells, and a live human skin model to analyze the expression of genes significant to skin barrier function.

RESULTS

In vitro experiments demonstrated that 2.5% LBDEs increased Filaggrin mRNA expression by 301.80% compared to the control. In an ex vivo skin damage model induced by physical stimulation and UVB (Ultraviolet B) irradiation, 1% LBDEs treatment significantly upregulated the expression of key barrier-related proteins, including Aquaporin-3 (180.8%), Claudin-1 (205.4%), Filaggrin (309.9%), Loricrin (365.2%), and Serine palmitoyltransferase (191.3%), in comparison to the friction and UVB-induced control group.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that LBDEs have potential in enhancing skin barrier function, as evidenced by increased expression of crucial barrier-related proteins in both in vitro and ex vivo models.