Gabrielė Kulkovienė, Junior Researcher

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease affecting 2-3% of the global population. Systemic biologics offer advanced treatment but have variable responses and side effects. Understanding disease mechanisms is key for better therapies.

Recent studies highlight mitochondrial dynamics in psoriasis progression, but real-time monitoring tools were lacking. We used Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) microscopy to visualize mitochondrial changes in live cells under psoriasis-like inflammation, showing network reorganization down to cristae structures. Intercellular communication via the secretome is crucial in inflammation, with vesicle-mediated signaling effective across species.

We explored plant-derived nanovesicles (PDNVs) from Melissa officinalis, which restored mitochondrial networks and reduced inflammation in psoriasis-like cells.

3D human skin models, mimicking native skin architecture, provide a platform for therapeutic evaluation, potentially reshaping the study and treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.