Topical nitric oxide releasing nanoparticles are effective in a murine model of dermal Trichophyton rubrum dermatophytosis

Systemic therapies are preferred for treating dermal dermatophytosis due to inadequate penetration of topical agents. However, systemic antifungals are associated with off-target effects, lengthy treatment schedules and limited tissue penetration. This study investigated topical nitric oxide releasing nanoparticles (NO-np) in a murine model of dermal dermatophyosis. Nitric oxide provides broad-spectrum multi-mechanistic antimicrobial activity while the small size of nanoparticles offers enhanced penetration and permeation of tissues. Data demonstrated NO-np inhibition of Trichophyton rubrum in vitro, as well as in mice. NO-np also decreased tissue IL-2, 6, 10 and TNFα, indicating earlier attenuation of the host inflammatory response.211