Novel Quinazoline Derivative Induces Differentiation of Keratinocytes and Enhances Skin Barrier Functions Against Th2 Cytokine-Mediated Signaling

The study explores the potential of a novel quinazoline derivative, SH-340, as a treatment for atopic dermatitis (AD) by enhancing skin barrier functions and counteracting Th2 cytokine-mediated signaling. SH-340 was tested on human primary keratinocytes, showing significant cytotoxicity at concentrations from 0.5 to 25 μM, inhibiting proliferation, and inducing differentiation with increased expression of markers like KRT1, KRT10, and FLG. It also inhibited IL-4/IL-13-induced STAT6 phosphorylation by 45% and suppressed TSLP production, suggesting its ability to alleviate AD-related pruritus. These findings indicate that SH-340 could be a promising candidate for developing more effective AD treatments, although further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and ensure its safety.