The skin is exposed to environmental aggressions and its stratum corneum (SC) plays a role in the barrier function (BF) which is critical for skin homeostasis. The maintain of this BF is important to avoid exogenous pathogen penetration and skin inflammation leading to the risk of developing allergic disease as atopic dermatitis (AD). Proteins of the Late Cornified Envelope (LCE) family are constitutive components of the cornified envelope (CE), a SC structure essential for the BF. We have developed a biomimetic green peptide corresponding to a specific sequence of the LCE family member LCE6A. This peptide could penetrate the SC of skin explants and be covalently crosslinked by transglutaminase to CE where it had a beneficial protective and reinforcing role. Moreover, its action on sensitive skin was tested ex vivo on delipidized human explants on which it has been applied according to curative and protective protocols. Whatever the protocols, the peptide decreased the percentage of Lucifer yellow penetration through the SC, demonstrating the strengthening properties of the LCE6A peptide towards a damaged skin barrier. A clinical study was then performed on 25 volunteers with skin prone to AD. The cream containing the peptide or the placebo were evaluated on forearm and leg after 7 days and on face after 28 days. The protective action of the LCE6A peptide was assessed after different external skin aggressions such as tape stripping, by analyzing inflammatory markers, hydration and skin roughness. Results brought out the peptide ability to restore and strengthen the damaged skin. In conclusion, these data show that a LCE6A green biomimetic peptide is able to maintain the skin barrier stronger and healthier, offering a new perspective to protect sensitive skin such as AD.

ESDR127 - Sensitive skin protection by strengthening the skin barrier with a LCE6A biomimetic green peptide specific to the cornified envelope

50th Annual Meeting of the European Society for Dermatological Research. VIRTUAL MEETING