Diphencyprone (DCP) is a contact sensitizing agent.1,2,3 Pretreatment with DCP reduces symptom severity in a mouse model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced by myelin basic protein (1-10) (MBP1-10).1 It enhances IL-10 production and antigen-specific IgG2a antibody responses and reduces anaphylaxis and asthma induced by ovalbumin in mice when administered during ovalbumin immunization at a concentration of 1% v/v.2 Topical administration of DCP increases intrafollicular CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, reduces upper dermal inflammation, and stimulates hair growth in the C3H/HeJ mouse model of alopecia areta.3 Formulations containing DCP have been used in the treatment of alopecia areta.
References
1. Meister, M., Tounsi, A., Gaffal, E., et al. Self-antigen presentation by keratinocytes in the inflamed adult skin modulates T-cell auto-reactivity. J. Invest. Dermatol. 135(8), 1996-2004 (2015).
2. von Moos, S., Johansen, P., Waeckerle-Men, Y., et al. The contact sensitizer diphenylcyclopropenone has adjuvant properties in mice and potential application in epicutaneous immunotherapy. Allergy 67(5), 638-646 (2012).
3. Shapiro, J., Sundberg, J.P., Bissonnette, R.P., et al. Alopecia areata-like hair loss in C3H/HeJ mice and DEBR rats can be reversed using topical diphencyprone. J. Investig. Dermatol. Symp. Proc. 4(3), 239 (1999).