Zyclara (imiquimod) / Mochida, Viatris, Bausch Health - LARVOL DELTA

Upregulation of PLOD2 expression promotes the development of psoriasis: A connection between keratinocytes and fibroblasts. (PubMed, Int J Biol Macromol) - "Treatment with the PLOD2 inhibitor (compound 12) significantly ameliorated imiquimod-induced psoriatic symptoms by inactivating STAT3 and reducing cytokine levels. In summary, we have demonstrated that PLOD2 plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and may serve as a therapeutic target in clinical settings."

Journal • Dermatitis • Dermatology • Fibrosis • Immunology • Inflammation • Psoriasis • EGFR • HBEGF • PLOD2 • STAT3

A polysaccharide-based hydrogel integrated with nanozyme activity for synergistic photothermal-enzymatic therapy of psoriasis. (PubMed, Int J Biol Macromol) - "In an imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse model, FP hydrogel combined with NIR irradiation significantly alleviated psoriatic symptoms, reducing the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score from 8.67 ± 0.76 (model group) to 2.83 ± 0.58 (p < 0.001). Histological analysis confirmed marked reductions in epidermal thickness and inflammatory cell infiltration, accompanied by downregulated expression of key pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-17A and TNF-α). This orchestrated synergy among the macromolecular scaffold and functional nanozymes positions the FP hydrogel as a promising candidate for effective, multi-mechanistic psoriasis management, offering a chemical-drug-free strategy to enhance patients' quality of life."

Journal • Dermatology • Immunology • Infectious Disease • Inflammation • Psoriasis • IL17A • TNFA

NEONATAL FC RECEPTOR IN GLOMERULAR CELLS PROMOTES PROTEINURIA VIA IMMUNE COMPLEX-TRIGGERED INFLAMMATION IN IMIQUIMOD-INDUCED LUPUS MODEL (ISN-WCN 2026) - "Our data indicate that mesangial—rather than podocyte—FcRn promotes pro-inflammatory cytokine production and contributes to LN progression. Targeting mesangial FcRn may therefore represent a therapeutic strategy to limit glomerular inflammation and proteinuria in LN."

Glomerulonephritis • Immunology • Inflammation • Inflammatory Arthritis • Lupus • Lupus Nephritis • Nephrology • Renal Disease • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Adiponectin Inhibits AURKA to Suppress Inflammation in TNF-α-induced Keratinocytes and Attenuates Psoriatic Dermatitis in Mice. (PubMed, Immun Inflamm Dis) - "Our findings suggest that APN inhibits keratinocyte hyperproliferation and suppresses inflammation in TNF-α-induced keratinocytes. Moreover, APN treatment attenuates IMQ-induced psoriatic dermatitis in mice, supporting its potential as a therapeutic approach for psoriasis."

Journal • Preclinical • Dermatitis • Dermatology • Immunology • Inflammation • Psoriasis • AURKA • CXCL8 • FOXM1 • IL1B • IL6 • TNFA

Gambogenic acid suppresses T cell proliferation via inhibition of ERK signaling pathway. (PubMed, Int Immunopharmacol) - "Our findings demonstrate that GNA inhibits T cell activation by targeting ERK signaling, highlighting its potential as a TCM-derived immunosuppressive monomer for preventing organ transplant rejection and treating autoimmune diseases. This study provides a foundation for developing GNA-based therapies."

Journal • Dermatitis • Dermatology • Immunology • Psoriasis • Transplant Rejection • Transplantation • IFNG • IL17A • IL2 • IL2RA • IL6

In Vitro Investigation of Tapinarof-Loaded Nanogels in an Imiquimod-induced HaCaT-THP-1 Co-Culture Model. (PubMed, Eur J Pharm Sci) - "Finally, inhibition of p65 subunit nuclear translocation were observed during NF-κB pathway activation in THP-1 cells by immunofluorescence staining. Overall, our results indicate that nanogel-based delivery systems exhibit enhanced biological effects of tapinarof compared to the free drug in an in vitro psoriasis-like co-culture model, highlighting their potential as therapeutic tools for the treatment of various inflammatory skin diseases."

Journal • Preclinical • Dermatology • Immunology • Inflammation • Psoriasis • IFNG • IL17A • IL23A • TNFA

Exploring SIK2-CXCL5 interactions in neutrophils: A novel mechanism for modulating IL-23 and psoriasis progression. (PubMed, Immunol Cell Biol) - "We combined in vivo and in vitro approaches to examine SIK2's role in an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis model and activated neutrophils...In vitro, SIK2 overexpression resulted in reduced cell viability and proliferation, with corresponding reductions in IL-1β, IL-17, IL-23, and Matrix Metallopeptidase 9 levels, whereas overexpression of CXCL5 reversed these effects. Our findings suggest that SIK2 acts as a critical modulator in psoriasis by influencing CXCL5-mediated IL-23 secretion in neutrophils, underscoring the potential of SIK2 as a therapeutic target to alleviate the inflammatory responses in psoriasis."

Journal • Dermatology • Immunology • Oncology • Psoriasis • CXCL5 • IL17A • IL1B • IL23A • MMP9 • TNFA

Per2 deficiency exacerbates IL-17-driven psoriasiform dermatitis in a diurnal-dependent manner. (PubMed, Immunol Lett) - "Per2-/- and wild-type mice (WT) were subjected to imiquimod (IMQ) -induced psoriasiform dermatitis...Mechanistically, Per2 loss resulted in a nocturnal surge of NFIL3 and RORγt expression, which mirrored the elevation of IL-17A even in the absence of increased IL-23. These findings indicate that Per2 loss aggravates psoriatic inflammation in a diurnal-dependent manner by enhancing IL-17-dominated immune responses, potentially involving the derepression of the NFIL3/RORγt axis."

Journal • Dermatitis • Dermatology • Dermatopathology • Immunology • Inflammation • Psoriasis • IL17A • IL23A • PER2 • TNFA

Evaluation of imiquimod- and LPS-induced skin inflammation models in healthy volunteers (ESCMID Global 2026) - No abstract available

Clinical • Dermatitis • Inflammation

Prasugrel inhibits TLR7-driven autoimmunity in systemic lupus erythematosus by acetylating cGAS. (PubMed, Nat Commun) - "We further demonstrate that cGAS deletion protects mice from lupus-like symptoms induced by the TLR7 agonist imiquimod (IMQ). Importantly, we report elevated plasma cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) in SLE patients and identify it as a potential biomarker for predicting prasugrel response. Thus, our work elucidates the essential role of cGAS in SLE pathogenesis and presents prasugrel as a promising therapeutic option with immediate translational potential."

Journal • Immunology • Inflammatory Arthritis • Lupus • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus • CGAS • TLR7

International Dermoscopy Society consensus recommendations for the management of lentigo maligna. (PubMed, J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol) - "Topical imiquimod and radiotherapy are effective alternatives where surgery is unsuitable...Patient-centred care, shared decision-making, and a multidisciplinary approach are critical for optimal outcomes. These international consensus recommendations summarize current best practices for LM management, offering practical, evidence-informed guidance to clinicians while acknowledging the potential of future research in refining these conclusions."

Journal • Cutaneous Melanoma • Melanoma • Oncology • Solid Tumor

Two primary melanoma in situ lesions of the vulva: Treatment with imiquimod. (PubMed, JAAD Case Rep) - No abstract available

Journal • Gynecologic Cancers • Melanoma • Oncology • Solid Tumor • Vulvar Cancer

Fibroblast IL-17RA/RD signaling compensates for the absence of IL17-RA/RC to promote neutrophil recruitment in mouse IMQ psoriasis (AAD 2026) - "The IL-17RA/IL-17RC pair is considered the dominant signaling unit, but IL-17RA/IL-17RD has also been implicated in the mouse imiquimod (IMQ) model of psoriasis...Il17rd siRNA treatment of Il17rc-/- fibroblasts reduced expression of IL-17–responsive genes important for neutrophil recruitment, including Cxcl1 and Cxcl5, suggesting fibroblast IL-17RA/RD may be a previously unappreciated mediator of neutrophil recruitment in IL-17 driven skin inflammation. Future studies will focus on elucidating the relative roles of fibroblast RA/RC versus RA/RD signaling in skin neutrophil recruitment."

Preclinical • Dermatitis • Dermatology • Dermatopathology • Immunology • Inflammation • Psoriasis • CXCL1 • CXCL5 • IL17A • IL17RA

HDAC and JAK Inhibition in Malignant and Inflammatory Skin Conditions (AAD 2026) - "In an imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse model, HDAC/JAK dual inhibition demonstrated marked improvement in skin lesions with low toxicity and outperformed both HDAC and JAK inhibitor monotherapies [4]. These findings, along with our in vitro studies and clinical experience, support combined HDAC and JAK inhibition as a safe and rational therapeutic strategy in malignant and inflammatory skin conditions, warranting further clinical investigation."

Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma • Hematological Malignancies • Immunology • Infectious Disease • Lymphoma • Psoriasis • Skin Cancer • T Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Deep Learning Dichotomous Classification of Inflammatory Changes in Keratinocyte Carcinomas Treated with Topical Therapy with Imiquimod, 5-fluorouracil, and Retinoids (AAD 2026) - "Pre-trained deep learning models, particularly ResNet 50, effectively classified inflammation status in KC treatment. This approach could enable automated monitoring of topical therapy response and support telemedicine workflows, though artifact removal and validation on external datasets are needed before clinical implementation."

Non-melanoma Skin Cancer • Oncology

Non-Surgical Management Options for Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinomas: A Comparative Literature Review (AAD 2026) - "Topical agents (5-fluorouracil, imiquimod) were effective for superficial BCC and SCC in situ, with imiquimod achieving higher long-term tumor-free survival and 5-FU favored for field therapy...Hedgehog inhibitors (vismodegib, sonidegib) yielded responses in advanced BCC, though discontinuation was common due to class toxicities...In advanced disease, hedgehog inhibitors for BCC and cemiplimab for cSCC provide durable responses. A risk-stratified approach integrating tumor biology, site, patient values, and resources can guide individualized nonsurgical management."

Review • Basal Cell Carcinoma • Bowens Disease • Genetic Disorders • Non-melanoma Skin Cancer • Oncology • Skin Cancer • Solid Tumor • Squamous Cell Carcinoma • Squamous Cell Skin Cancer

Squamous cell carcinoma and precursor lesions in the genital and perianal region: A retrospective analysis. (AAD 2026) - "Primary treatments were simple excision (50%), partial penectomy/vulvectomy (36.8%), total penectomy (2.6%), chemoradiotherapy (7.9%), imiquimod (2,6%) and cryotherapy (2,6%)... HSIL and dSIL are distinct but converging pathways to invasive SCC, being HPV infection and chronic inflammatory dermatoses the major risk factors. Multidisciplinary management is needed to improve prevention, diagnosis, and outcomes."

Retrospective data • Gynecology • Hidradenitis Suppurativa • Human Papillomavirus Infection • Immunology • Infectious Disease • Oncology • Squamous Cell Carcinoma • Urology

Multi-Omics analysis of SAR445399, an IL-1R3 antagonist: anti-inflammatory effects in skin challenges from Phase 1 study (AAD 2026) - "Background: In an innovative proof-of-mechanism study, we evaluated SAR445399, a first-in-class anti-IL-1R3 antibody, in healthy subjects using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and imiquimod (IMQ) as challenge models, with spesolimab and canakinumab as comparators. SAR445399 effectively modulates key inflammatory mediators and pathways at skin level after LPS and IMQ challenge as demonstrated by comprehensive proteomic and transcriptomic profiling. This observed effect strongly supports the rationale for further clinical development in dermatological conditions where IL-1 and IL-36 signaling play crucial pathogenic roles."

P1 data • Dermatitis • Inflammation • IL17A • IL17C • IL1RAP • IL6

The Role of Fatty Acid Binding Protein 5 (FABP5) in Psoriasis and Associated Metabolic Changes (AAD 2026) - "FABP5 and YFP (tag of transgene) staining confirmed epidermal FABP5-OE. H&E demonstrated a thicker epidermis, and increased CD45+ and CD11c+ immune cells were present in the dermis of FABP5-OE vs. control Cre mice."

Atherosclerosis • Cardiovascular • Dermatology • Immunology • Inflammation • Metabolic Disorders • Psoriasis • FABP5 • ITGAX • PTPRC

Real World Evidence of Clinical Clearance and 3-Year Recurrence Rates of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer with Photodynamic Therapy (AAD 2026) - "FDA-approved treatments include Mohs micrographic surgery, excision, electrodessication and curettage, topical imiquimod, and topical fluorouracil. After 3 years, 72% of NMSCs maintained clearance, with 3% recurrence, and 24% lost to follow-up. Further retrospective and prospective real-world experience studies with long-term recurrence data on a larger number of NMSCs are needed to characterize the efficacy and durability of PDT monotherapy."

Clinical • HEOR • Real-world • Real-world evidence • Actinic Keratosis • Basal Cell Carcinoma • Bowens Disease • Genetic Disorders • Non-melanoma Skin Cancer • Skin Cancer • Solid Tumor • Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Targeting dermatologic diseases with DXP-006, a half-life extended monoclonal antibody that simultaneously blocks multiple IL1 family pathways (AAD 2026) - "Additionally, DXP-006 effectively reduced IL-1 and IL33 activity in PBMC-based assays and significantly decreased epidermal thickness and PASI scores in a humanized mouse model of imiquimod-induced psoriasis. Taken together, these findings position DXP-006 as a “one-drug, multi-pathway” antagonist capable of simultaneously blocking multiple inflammatory signals. This mechanism offers a promising new strategy for patients with dermatologic or other inflammatory conditions who do not respond adequately to existing single-pathway treatments."

Atopic Dermatitis • Dermatitis • Hidradenitis Suppurativa • Immunology • Psoriasis • IL1A • IL1B • IL1RAP • IL33

Management of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer During Pregnancy: A Retrospective TriNetX Study (AAD 2026) - "Topical 5-fluorouracil included 1,935 pregnant and 1,938 non-pregnant patients, with risks of 2.377% vs. 2.528% (p = 0.7611). Imiquimod included 1,931 pregnant and 1,934 non-pregnant patients, with risks of 2.02% vs. 2.017% (p = 0.9945)...These results suggest that pregnancy does not significantly alter management, though careful consideration of surgical guideline adherence remains essential for Mohs. Further prospective studies may be warranted to explore treatment strategies."

Retrospective data • Genetic Disorders • Non-melanoma Skin Cancer • Skin Cancer • Solid Tumor

The Efficacy & Tolerability of Imiquimod, 5-Fluorouracil, Photodynamic Therapy, and Chemotherapy in Comparison to Surgical Approaches for Treatment of Extramammary Paget’s Disease (EMPD): A Literature Review (AAD 2026) - "Chemotherapy, primarily low-dose 5-FU plus cisplatin or taxane-based regimens, provided modest disease control and may serve as palliative or neoadjuvant options in advanced or unresectable EMPD. Our review highlights that while surgical approaches remain most effective for durable remission, nonsurgical therapies offer viable alternatives for noninvasive EMPD and patients unable to tolerate surgery. Future multicenter studies with larger cohorts are necessary to establish standardized treatment algorithms and to validate the role of combination nonsurgical regimens in reducing recurrence and improving quality of life."

Clinical • Review • Rare Diseases

Efficacy and safety of topical 2.3% solamargine (Solanum undatum extract) in Bowen’s Disease monotherapy (AAD 2026) - "Compared to conventional therapy options such as imiquimod, solamargine demonstrated a favorable preliminary safety and efficacy profile. Further large-scale trials to validate its role as a noninvasive therapy for BD are needed."

Clinical • Monotherapy • Actinic Keratosis • Bowens Disease • Pruritus • Squamous Cell Carcinoma

S060 Melanoma in 2026 (AAD 2026) - "From the available worldwide evidence, faculty speakers will address: appropriate biopsy techniques, pathology assessment (including AJCC 8th edition staging), molecular/gene expression profiling (for biopsy, pathologic assessment and prognosis), sentinel lymph node biopsy (including risk prediction tools), surgery (including Mohs micrographic surgery and staged excision with permanent sections), nonsurgical therapy for melanoma in situ/lentigo maligna type (including topical imiquimod and radiotherapy), baseline and surveillance imaging, and adjuvant therapy for resected stage II (primary) and stage III (node-positive) melanoma...3. Describe the role of adjuvant therapy for resected stage II and stage III melanoma, including potential risks and benefits."

Cutaneous Melanoma • Melanoma • Solid Tumor