IOX1 impedes host inflammation in imiquimod-triggered psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease with an unknown etiology and highly limited treatment strategies. The drugs currently used in the treatment of psoriasis are rarely recommended for long-term use owing to the serious side effects. Although different targets have been identified for controlling psoriasis, the role of epigenetic modifications as therapeutic targets is yet to be elucidated. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-carboxylic acid (IOX1), a novel drug with a genetic target, in psoriasis. The daily topical administration of IOX1 in a mouse model of imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriatic inflammation reduced inflammatory reactions in the skin and lowered the PASI score. Furthermore, intraperitoneally injected IOX1 repressed the inflammatory status induced by IMQ in psoriatic mice by reducing the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, restoring splenocyte populations, and regulating macrophage polarization. Our findings indicate the remedial effects of IOX1 on dermatitis psoriasis and the potential of IOX1 as a therapeutic compound in psoriasis.