The “CadoRNA” ANR project funded in 2023 (project ANR-23-CE18-0014) started start in March 2024. This research project coordinated by Alexandre Specht will be carried out in collaboration with the groups of Françoise Pons, Pascal Didier (LBP, UMR 7021) and Mei Li (IGBMC, UMR 7104 – UMR-S 1258). This project is based on the development a completely unexplored approach for the treatment of atopic dermatitis that will combine therapeutic siRNA and PDT. The release of the RNA will be triggered specifically by light excitation (red or NIR light) using original “carbon dots” sensitive to singlet oxygen. This reactive oxygen species will be used to simultaneously induce a release of RNA in the cytoplasm through targeted chemical bond cleavages and immunomodulatory effects on the expression of proteins involved in inflammation. The effectiveness of our siRNA delivery systems coupled with PDT will be tested in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis.
