transforming-growth-factor-beta and Dermatitis--Atopic

We found for the first time that IL-4 and IL-13, signature type 2 cytokines, are able to induce periostin expression. We and others have subsequently shown that periostin is highly expressed in chronic inflammatory diseases-asthma, atopic dermatitis, eosinophilc chronic sinusitis/chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp, and allergic conjunctivitis-and that periostin plays important roles in the pathogenesis of these diseases. The epithelial/mesenchymal interaction via periostin is important for the onset of allergic inflammation, in which periostin derived from fibroblasts acts on epithelial cells or fibroblasts, activating their NF-κB. Moreover, the immune cell/non-immune cell interaction via periostin may be also involved. Now the significance of periostin has been expanded into other inflammatory or fibrotic diseases such as scleroderma and pulmonary fibrosis. The cross-talk of periostin with TGF-β or pro-inflammatory cytokines is important for the underlying mechanism of these diseases. Because of its pathogenic importance and broad expression, diagnostics or therapeutic drugs can be potentially developed to target periostin as a means of treating these diseases.

Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Cell Adhesion Molecules; Dermatitis, Atopic; Epithelial Cells; Fibroblasts; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Inflammation; Interleukin-13; Interleukin-4; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; NF-kappa B; Signal Transduction; Transforming Growth Factor beta

Skin protects body from continual attack by microbial pathogens and environmental factors. Such barrier function of skin is achieved by multiple components including immune system, which is mainly regulated by lymphocytes. T lymphocytes (T cells) that express T cell receptor (TCR) α and β chains (αβT cells) control the strength and the type of immune response. CD4T cell population consists of helper T (Th) cell-subsets and immunosuppressive regulatory T (Treg) cells. Th1 cells produce IFN-γ and protect against intracellular pathogens. Th2 cells produce IL-4 family cytokines and participate in allergic skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis (AD). Th17 cells secrete IL-17, recruit granulocytes to fight against extracellular microorganisms, and play a role in psoriasis and AD. Th22 cells produce IL-22 that activates epithelial cells and mediates acanthosis in psoriasis and AD. On the other hand, Foxp3+ Treg cells attenuate immune responses partly via TGF-β or IL-10. Tissue resident memory T (Trm) cells in the skin-most of which are epidermal CD8T cells-constitute the first line of the defense against repeated infections. CD8 T cells are also engaged in psoriasis, lichen planus, and drug eruptions. Skin harbors innate-like αβT cells such as natural killer T (NKT) cells as well, whose function is not fully revealed. Understanding these αβT cells helps to comprehend skin diseases.

Topics: Animals; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Cell Differentiation; Cell Membrane; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Drug Eruptions; Forkhead Transcription Factors; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Interleukin-10; Interleukin-17; Keratinocytes; Killer Cells, Natural; Lichen Planus; Mice; Phenotype; Skin; T-Lymphocytes; T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer; Th1 Cells; Th2 Cells; Transforming Growth Factor beta

This review summarizes clinically important findings from nine systematic reviews of the causes, treatment and prevention of atopic eczema (AE) published between August 2008 and August 2009. Two systematic reviews concluded that there is a strong and consistent association between filaggrin (FLG) mutations and development of eczema. The associations between FLG mutations and atopic sensitization, rhinitis and asthma are weaker than between FLG mutations and eczema, especially if those who also have eczema are excluded. The relationship between transforming growth factor levels in breast milk and eczema development is still unclear. A further systematic review found no strong evidence of a protective effect of exclusive breastfeeding for at least 3 months against eczema, even in those with a positive family history of atopy. Based on a systematic review and meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials, supplementation with omega-3 and omega-6 oils is unlikely to play an important role in the primary prevention of eczema or allergic diseases in general. There is little evidence to support dietary restrictions of certain foods in unselected children with AE. There is also little evidence to suggest a clinically useful benefit from using probiotics in patients with established eczema. A systematic review of topical pimecrolimus and tacrolimus added little additional information to previous reviews, and did not provide any new data on long-term safety. Both of these drugs work in AE, and may reduce flares and usage of topical corticosteroids; however, there is still uncertainty about how they compare with topical corticosteroids.

Topics: Breast Feeding; Dermatitis, Atopic; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Fatty Acids, Omega-6; Filaggrin Proteins; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Intermediate Filament Proteins; Milk, Human; Mutation; Probiotics; Tacrolimus; Transforming Growth Factor beta

Only very recently studies were conducted in order to evaluate the impact of regulatory T (Treg) cells in the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis (AD). Nine adult patients with moderate-to-severe AD in riacutization period of a chronic disease were given tacrolimus ointment, while seven hydrocortisone butyrate ointment, that served as controls. We performed lesional-skin biopsies before and after treatment, that were stained immunohistochemically with monoclonal antibodies to CD4, CD25, forkhead/winged helix transcription factor (FoxP3), interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta. CD4+ cells were significantly reduced in post-treatment series. Tacrolimus treatment achieved a significant reduction of CD25+ cells. FoxP3+ cells were present in untreated AD lesions. Both treatments did not significantly modify the number of FoxP3+ cells. The number of IL-10+ cells increased in post-treatment series. Tacrolimus enhanced the production of TGF-beta, while hydrocortisone did not. Restoration of TGF-beta-producing Treg cells may represent another important pharmacodynamic effect of tacrolimus on AD.

Topics: Adult; Biopsy; Chronic Disease; Dermatitis, Atopic; Female; Forkhead Transcription Factors; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Immunohistochemistry; Interleukin-10; Male; Middle Aged; Ointments; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Tacrolimus; Transforming Growth Factor beta

The increasing prevalence of atopic diseases over the last few decades is thought to be due to reduced exposure to environmental microbes that normally down-regulate allergic responses (hygiene hypothesis). We have shown previously that administration of the environmental microbe Mycobacterium vaccae ameliorates atopic dermatitis in school-age children at 3 months post-treatment. The present study tested the hypothesis that M. vaccae suppresses Th2-type cytokine activity and increases transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta(1) immunomodulatory activity in these children. Interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, TGF-beta(1) and interferon (IFN)-gamma activity were assessed in resting and stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated from 12 of the children who received M. vaccae in our original clinical trial. A cDNA expression array was used to examine a broader range of cytokine pathway transcripts. There were no significant changes in either Th2-type or TGF-beta(1) activity. A 5- to 10-fold increase in Th1-type activity was found at 1 month post-M. vaccae administration (P < 0.05), but it had returned to baseline by 3 months. The results do not support the hypothesis that M. vaccae reduces Th2-type or increases TGF-beta(1) activity of PBMC isolated from children with atopic dermatitis. The transient surge in IFN-gamma at 1 month is unlikely to explain any improvement in eczema score at 3 months.

Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; DNA, Circular; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Humans; Interferon-gamma; Interleukin-4; Interleukin-5; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Mycobacterium; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Th1 Cells; Th2 Cells; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Up-Regulation

A failure in the establishment and maintenance of oral tolerance in infancy may result in food allergy. To further assess the role of the intestinal immune system in cow's milk allergy (CMA), we investigated the systemic production of the pro-allergenic Th2 cytokine interleukin (IL)-4 and anti-allergenic cytokines IL-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 and TGF-beta2 in infants suffering from atopic eczema with and without CMA during antigen elimination diet and oral antigen exposure.. 18 infants (mean age, 9.6 months; 95% confidence interval 8.1-11.1 months) with atopic eczema and CMA and 17 infants (mean age, 9.7 months; 95% confidence interval 8.6-10.9 months) with atopic eczema tolerant to milk as assessed by a double blind, placebo-controlled cow's milk challenge were investigated. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained during antigen elimination diet and during oral cow's milk challenge and stimulated with Concanavalin-A or cow's milk or were left unstimulated. The cytokine concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.. During antigen elimination, the Concanavalin A-stimulated production of TGF-beta2 was significantly lower in infants with CMA as compared with infants without CMA: 129 pg/mL (interquartile ratio, 124-144 pg/mL) vs. 149 pg/mL (interquartile ratio, 133-169 pg/mL); P = 0.016. During oral antigen exposure, the immune responses in infants with CMA were characterized by significantly higher spontaneous production of IL-4 as compared with those without CMA: 12.0 pg/mL (interquartile ratio, 5.2-28.3 pg/mL) vs. 4.2 pg/mL (interquartile ratio, 1.5-7.6 pg/mL); P = 0.018.. Infants with atopic eczema and CMA exhibit markedly increased systemic pro-allergenic IL-4 responses on intestinal antigen contact, which may partially be explained by a defective ability to launch anti-allergenic TGF-beta2 responses.

Topics: Age of Onset; Animals; Breast Feeding; Cattle; Dermatitis, Atopic; Double-Blind Method; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Humans; Immunity, Cellular; Infant; Interleukin-10; Interleukin-4; Lymphocyte Activation; Male; Milk Hypersensitivity; T-Lymphocytes; Th2 Cells; Transforming Growth Factor beta

Atopic dogs often are managed with allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) and concurrent dosages of ciclosporin (CSA) or oclacitinib to alleviate their clinical signs. Both drugs might affect proper tolerance induction by inhibiting regulatory T-cell (Treg) induction.. We evaluated Treg cell numbers and serum interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)1 levels in dogs diagnosed with atopic dermatitis (AD) and successfully treated with either CSA or oclacitinib for nine or more months.. We included 15 dogs receiving oclacitinib, 14 dogs treated with CSA, 15 healthy dogs, 13 dogs with untreated moderate-to-severe AD and 15 atopic dogs controlled with AIT.. Peripheral blood CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ T-cell percentages were determined using flow cytometry. Serum concentrations of IL-10 and TGF-β1 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.. The percentage of Treg cells in the CSA group was significantly lower in comparison with the healthy group (p = 0.0003), the nontreated AD group (p = 0.0056) or the AIT group (p = 0.0186). There was no significant difference in Treg cell percentages between the CSA and oclacitinib groups, nor between the oclacitinib and the healthy, nontreated AD or AIT-treated dogs. No significant differences were detected in IL-10 and TGF-β1 serum concentrations between the five groups.. Lower Treg cell percentages in the CSA-treated dogs suggest an impact of this drug on this cell population; however, it does not necessarily mean that it diminishes tolerance. Functionality and cytokine production may be more important than the number of Treg cells. Further studies evaluating the treatment outcome of dogs receiving AIT and concurrent drugs are needed to show clinical relevance.. Les chiens atopiques sont souvent traités avec une immunothérapie spécifique d'allergène (AIT) et des doses concomitantes de ciclosporine ou d'oclacitinib pour atténuer leurs signes cliniques. Les deux médicaments pourraient affecter l'induction de la tolérance appropriée en inhibant l'induction des lymphocytes T régulateurs (Treg). HYPOTHÈSE/OBJECTIFS: Nous avons évalué le nombre de cellules Treg et les taux sériques d'interleukine (IL)-10 et de TGF-β-1 chez des chiens diagnostiqués avec une dermatite atopique (DA) et traités avec succès par la ciclosporine ou l'oclacitinib pendant neuf mois ou plus.. Nous avons inclus 15 chiens recevant de l'oclacitinib, 14 chiens traités par ciclosporine, 15 chiens sains, 13 chiens atteints de DA modérée à sévère non traitée et 15 chiens atopiques contrôlés par AIT. MATÉRIELS ET MÉTHODES: Les pourcentages de lymphocytes T CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ du sang périphérique ont été déterminés par cytométrie de flux. Les concentrations sériques d'IL-10 et de TGF-β1 ont été mesurées par dosage immuno-enzymatique. RÉSULTATS: Le pourcentage de cellules Treg dans le groupe ciclosporine était significativement plus faible par rapport au groupe sain (p = 0,0003), au groupe AD non traité (p = 0,0056) ou au groupe AIT (p = 0,0186). Il n'y avait pas de différence significative dans les pourcentages de cellules Treg entre le groupe ciclosporine et oclacitinib, ni entre l'oclacitinib et les chiens sains non traités AD ou traités AIT. Aucune différence significative n'a été détectée dans les concentrations sériques d'IL-10 et de TGF-β1 entre les cinq groupes.. Des pourcentages de cellules Treg plus faibles chez les chiens traités à la ciclosporine suggèrent un impact de ce médicament sur cette population cellulaire ; cependant, cela ne signifie pas nécessairement qu'il diminue la tolérance. La fonctionnalité et la production de cytokines peuvent être plus importantes que le nombre de cellules Treg. D'autres études évaluant les résultats du traitement des chiens recevant l'AIT et des médicaments concomitants sont nécessaires pour montrer la pertinence clinique.. INTRODUCCIÓN: los perros atópicos a menudo se tratan con inmunoterapia específica para alérgenos (AIT) y dosis simultáneas de ciclosporina u oclacitinib para aliviar sus signos clínicos. Ambos fármacos podrían afectar la inducción de tolerancia adecuada al inhibir la inducción de células T reguladoras (Treg). HIPÓTESIS/OBJETIVOS: Evaluamos el número de células Treg y los niveles séricos de interleuquina (IL)-10 y factor de crecimiento transformante-beta (TGF-β)1 en perros diagnosticados con dermatitis atópica (AD) y tratados con éxito con ciclosporina u oclacitinib durante nueve o mas meses ANIMALES: Incluimos 15 perros que recibieron oclacitinib, 14 perros tratados con ciclosporina, 15 perros sanos, 13 perros con AD de moderada a grave no tratada y 15 perros atópicos controlados con AIT. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Los porcentajes de células T CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ en sangre periférica se determinaron mediante citometría de flujo. Las concentraciones séricas de IL-10 y TGF-β1 se midieron mediante ensayo inmunoabsorbente ligado a enzimas. RESULTADOS: El porcentaje de células Treg en el grupo de ciclosporina fue significativamente menor en comparación con el grupo sano (p = 0,0003), el grupo AD no tratado (p = 0,0056) o el grupo AIT (p = 0,0186). No hubo diferencias significativas en los porcentajes de células Treg entre el grupo de ciclosporina y oclacitinib, ni entre el oclacitinib y los perros sanos, no tratados con AD o tratados con AIT. No se detectaron diferencias significativas en las concentraciones séricas de IL-10 y TGF-β1 entre los cinco grupos. CONCLUSIONES Y RELEVANCIA CLÍNICA: Los porcentajes más bajos de células Treg en los perros tratados con ciclosporina sugieren un impacto de este fármaco en esta población celular; sin embargo, no significa necesariamente que disminuya la tolerancia. La funcionalidad y la producción de citoquinas pueden ser más importantes que el número de células Treg. Se necesitan más estudios que evalúen el resultado del tratamiento de perros que reciben AIT y medicamentos concurrentes para mostrar relevancia clínica.. Atopische Hunde werden oft mit Allergen-spezifischer Immuntherapie (AIT) gemanagt, wobei gleichzeitig Ciclosporin oder Oclacitinib verabreicht werden, um ihre klinischen Zeichen zu lindern. Beide Medikamente können die Toleranzinduktion durch eine Inhibition der regulatorischen T Zellen (Treg) Induktion beeinflussen.. Wir evaluierten die Treg Zellzahlen und Serum Interleukin (IL)-10 und Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) Werte bei Hunden, die mit einer atopischen Dermatitis (AD) diagnostiziert worden waren und entweder mit Ciclosporin oder mit Oclacitinib für neun Monate oder länger erfolgreich behandelt worden waren.. Wir inkludierten 15 Hunde, die Oclacitinib erhielten, 14 Hunde, die mit Ciclosporin behandelt worden waren, 15 gesunde Hunde, 13 Hunde mit unbehandelter moderater-bis-hochgradiger AD und 15 atopische Hunde, die mit AIT kontrolliert waren.. Periphere Blut CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ T-Zell Prozentanteile wurden mittels Flowzytometrie bestimmt. Serumkonzentrationen von IL-10 und TGF-β wurden mittels Enzym-linked Immunosorbent Assay gemessen.. Der Prozentanteil der Treg Zellen in der Ciclosporingruppe war signifikant niedriger im Vergleich zur gesunden Gruppe (p = 0,0003), zur nichtbehandelten AD-Gruppe (p = 0,0056), oder der AIT-Gruppe (p = 0,0186). Es bestand kein signifikanter Unterschied zwischen den prozentualen Anteilen der Treg Zellen zwischen Ciclosporin und der Oclacitinib Gruppe, und auch nicht zwischen der Oclacitinib und der gesunden, nichtbehandelten AD-Gruppe, oder den AIT-behandelten Hunden. Es wurden keine signifikanten Unterschiede zwischen IL-10 und TGF-β1 Serumkonzentrationen zwischen den fünf Gruppen gefunden.. Niedrigere Prozentanteile der Treg Zellen bei den Ciclosporin-behandelten Hunden weisen darauf hin, dass dieses Medikament auf diese Zellpopulation einen Einfluss hat; es bedeutet jedoch nicht unbedingt, dass es die Toleranz vermindert. Die Funktionalität und die Ciclosporin Produktion könnte wichtiger sein als die Anzahl der Treg Zellen. Weitere Studien sind nötig, die den Behandlungserfolg bei Hunden, die AIT und gleichzeitig Medikamente erhalten, evaluieren, um die klinische Relevanz zu zeigen.. 背景: アトピー犬は、しばしばアレルゲン特異的免疫療法(AIT)を行い、同時にシクロスポリンやオクラシチニブを投与して臨床症状を軽減している。両薬剤は、制御性T細胞(Treg)の誘導を阻害することにより、適切な寛容誘導に影響を与える可能性がある。 仮説/目的: 本研究の目的は、 アトピー性皮膚炎(AD)と診断され、シクロスポリンまたはオクラシチニブによる9ヶ月以上の治療に成功した犬において、Treg細胞数、血清インターロイキン(IL)-10およびトランスフォーミング増殖因子-β(TGF-β)1レベルを評価することであった。 供試動物: オクラシチニブ投与犬15頭、シクロスポリン投与犬14頭、健常犬15頭、未治療の中等度から重度のAD犬13頭、AITでコントロールしたアトピー犬15頭を対象とした。 材料と方法: 末梢血CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ T細胞の割合をフローサイトメトリーで測定した。血清中のIL-10およびTGF-β1濃度は、酵素結合免疫吸着法で測定した。 結果: シクロスポリン投与群では、健常群(p=0.0003)、AD未治療群(p=0.0056)、AIT群(p=0.0186)と比較して、Treg細胞の割合が有意に低下した。シクロスポリン群とオクラシチニブ群、オクラシチニブ群と健常群、AD未治療群、AIT治療群との間でもTreg細胞の割合に有意差はなかった。IL-10およびTGF-β1血清濃度には5群間で有意差は検出されなかった。 結論と臨床的関連性: シクロスポリン投与犬におけるTreg細胞の割合の低下は、シクロスポリンがこの細胞集団に影響を与えることを示唆していた。しかし、それは必ずしも耐性を低下させることを意味するものではない。機能性やサイトカイン産生は、Treg細胞数よりも重要である可能性がある。臨床的な関連性を示すためには、AITと併用薬を投与された犬の治療成績を評価する更なる研究が必要である。.. 背景: 特应性犬通常通过过敏原特异性免疫治疗 (AIT) 和同时给予环孢素或奥拉替尼缓解其临床症状。两种药物均可能通过抑制调节性 T 细胞 (Treg) 诱导影响适当的耐受诱导。 假设/目的: 我们在诊断为特应性皮炎 (AD) 并成功接受环孢素或奥拉替尼治疗9个月或以上的犬中评价了 Treg 细胞数量以及血清白细胞介素 (IL)-10 和转化生长因子-β (TGF-β)1水平。 动物: 我们纳入了15只接受奥拉替尼的犬、14只接受环孢素治疗的犬、15只健康犬、13只未治疗的中度至重度 AD 犬和15只接受 AIT 控制的特应性犬。 材料和方法: 使用流式细胞术测定外周血CD4 + CD25 + FOXP3 + T细胞百分比。采用酶联免疫吸附法检测血清 IL-10 和TGF-β1的浓度。 结果: 环孢素组的 Treg 细胞百分比显著低于健康组 (p = 0.0003)、未治疗 AD 组 (p = 0.0056) 或 AIT 组 (p = 0.0186)。环孢素和奥拉替尼组、奥拉替尼和健康、未治疗 AD 或 AIT 治疗犬之间的 Treg 细胞百分比无显著差异。5组间 IL-10 和TGF-β1血清浓度未检测到明显差异。 结论和临床相关性: 环孢素给药犬中较低的 Treg 细胞百分比表明该药物对该细胞群有影响；然而，这并不一定意味着其会降低耐受性。功能和细胞因子的产生可能比 Treg 细胞的数量更重要。需要进一步研究评价接受 AIT 和伴随药物的犬的治疗结果，以显示临床相关性。.. Cães atópicos geralmente são tratados com imunoterapia alérgeno-específica (AIT) e dosagens concomitantes de ciclosporina ou oclacitinib para aliviar seus sinais clínicos. Ambas as drogas podem afetar a indução de tolerância adequada ao inibir a indução de células T reguladoras (Treg). HIPÓTESE/OBJETIVOS: Avaliamos o número de células Treg e os níveis séricos de interleucina (IL)-10 e fator transformador de crescimento beta (TGF-β)1 em cães diagnosticados com dermatite atópica (DA) e tratados com sucesso com ciclosporina ou oclacitinib por nove ou mais meses.. Foram incluídos 15 cães recebendo oclacitinib, 14 cães tratados com ciclosporina, 15 cães saudáveis, 13 cães com DA moderada a grave não tratada e 15 cães atópicos controlados com AIT. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: As porcentagens de células T CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ do sangue periférico foram determinadas por citometria de fluxo. As concentrações séricas de IL-10 e TGF-β1 foram medidas por ensaio imunoenzimático.. A porcentagem de células Treg no grupo ciclosporina foi significativamente menor em comparação ao grupo saudável (p = 0,0003), ao grupo DA não tratado (p = 0,0056) ou ao grupo AIT (p = 0,0186). Não houve diferença significativa nas porcentagens de células Treg entre o grupo ciclosporina e oclacitinib, nem o oclacitinib e os cães saudáveis, ou oclacitinib e os cães com DA não tratados ou tratados com AIT. Não foram detectadas diferenças significativas nas concentrações séricas de IL-10 e TGF-β1 entre os cinco grupos. CONCLUSÕES E RELEVÂNCIA CLÍNICA: Percentagens mais baixas de células Treg nos cães tratados com ciclosporina sugerem um impacto deste fármaco nesta população de células; no entanto, isso não significa necessariamente que diminui a tolerância. A funcionalidade e a produção de citocinas podem ser mais importantes do que o número de células Treg. Mais estudos avaliando o resultado do tratamento de cães recebendo AIT e drogas concomitantes são necessários para mostrar a relevância clínica.

Topics: Animals; Cyclosporine; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Immune Tolerance; Interleukin-10; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Transforming Growth Factor beta1

Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a multifactorial cutaneous disorder associated with chronic inflammation of the skin. Growing evidence points to TGF-β/SMAD signaling as a key player in mediating inflammation and the subsequent tissue remodeling, often resulting in fibrosis. This study investigates the role of a core transcription factor involved in TGF-β signaling i.e., SMAD3 genetic variants (rs4147358) in AD predisposition and its association with SMAD3 mRNA expression, serum IgE levels, and sensitization to various allergens in AD patients.. A total of 246 subjects including 134 AD cases and 112 matched healthy controls were genotyped for SMAD3 intronic SNP by PCR-RFLP. mRNA expression of SMAD3 was determined by quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR), Vitamin-D levels by chemiluminescence, and total serum IgE levels by ELISA. In-vivo allergy testing was performed for the evaluation of allergic reactions to house dust mites (HDM) and food allergens.. A significantly higher frequency of mutant genotype AA (cases: 19.4% vs controls: 8.9%) (OR = 2.8, CI = 1.2 - 6.7, p = 0.01) was observed in AD cases. The mutant allele 'A' also showed a 1.9-fold higher risk for AD compared to the wild allele 'C' indicating that the carriers of the A allele have a higher risk for AD predisposition (OR-1.9, CI = 1.3-2.8, p < 0.001). In addition, quantitative analysis of SMAD3 mRNA in peripheral blood showed 2.8-fold increased expression in AD cases as compared to healthy controls. Stratification analysis revealed the association of the mutant AA genotype with deficient serum Vitamin D levels (p = 0.02) and SMAD3 mRNA overexpression with HDM sensitization (p = 0.03). Furthermore, no significant association of genotypes with SMAD3 mRNA expression was observed.. Our study indicates that SMAD3 intronic SNP bears a significant risk of AD development. Moreover, overexpression of SMAD3 mRNA and its association with HDM sensitization highlights the possible role of this gene in AD pathogenesis.

Topics: Allergens; Animals; Case-Control Studies; Dermatitis, Atopic; Food Hypersensitivity; Humans; Immunoglobulin E; Inflammation; Pyroglyphidae; Smad3 Protein; Transforming Growth Factor beta

Dual-specificity phosphatase 8 (DUSP8) is a MAPK phosphatase that dephosphorylates and inactivates the kinase JNK. DUSP8 is highly expressed in T cells; however, the in vivo role of DUSP8 in T cells remains unclear. Using T cell-specific Dusp8 conditional KO (T-Dusp8 cKO) mice, mass spectrometry analysis, ChIP-Seq, and immune analysis, we found that DUSP8 interacted with Pur-α, stimulated interleukin-9 (IL-9) gene expression, and promoted Th9 differentiation. Mechanistically, DUSP8 dephosphorylated the transcriptional repressor Pur-α upon TGF-β signaling, leading to the nuclear export of Pur-α and subsequent IL-9 transcriptional activation. Furthermore, Il-9 mRNA levels were induced in Pur-α-deficient T cells. In addition, T-Dusp8-cKO mice displayed reduction of IL-9 and Th9-mediated immune responses in the allergic asthma model. Reduction of Il-9 mRNA levels in T cells and allergic responses of T-Dusp8-cKO mice was reversed by Pur-α knockout. Remarkably, DUSP8 protein levels and the DUSP8-Pur-α interaction were indeed increased in the cytoplasm of T cells from people with asthma and patients with atopic dermatitis. Collectively, DUSP8 induces TGF-β-stimulated IL-9 transcription and Th9-induced allergic responses by inhibiting the nuclear translocation of the transcriptional repressor Pur-α. DUSP8 may be a T-cell biomarker and therapeutic target for asthma and atopic dermatitis.

Topics: Active Transport, Cell Nucleus; Animals; Asthma; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dual-Specificity Phosphatases; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Inflammation; Interleukin-9; Mice; RNA, Messenger; Transcription Factors; Transforming Growth Factor beta

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disorder with significant morbidity and impairment of life quality. Prevalence is increasing around the world; therefore, intensive research is ongoing to understand the mechanisms of development of AD and offer new treatment options for AD patients.. To investigate the association between Inflammatory (IL-17, TNF-α, IFN-γ) versus anti-Inflammatory Cytokines (IL-35, TGF-β) in AD patients.. A case control study included 40 AD patients and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. Cases were subjected to full history taking and full dermatological examination. The assessment of disease severity was conducted by using SCORAD score. Assessment of inflammatory (IL-17, TNF-α, IFN-γ) and anti-Inflammatory Cytokines (IL-35, TGF-β) was performed by using ELISA technique.. The mean level of TNF-α, IL-17 was statistically significantly higher in the AD cases as compared with the control group. The mean level of TGF-β, Il-35, and IFN-γ was statistically significantly lower in the Atopic dermatitis cases as compared with the control group. There was statistically significant strong positive correlation between TNF-α with SCORAD score and IL-17 while there was statistically significant strong negative correlation between TNF-α with TGF-β and IL-35. There was statistically significant strong positive correlation between IL-17 with SCORAD score and TNF-α while there was statistically significant strong negative correlation between IL-17 with TGF-β and IL-35.. The current results could be used as a clue for the utilization of inflammatory (IL-17, TNF-α, IFN-γ) versus anti-inflammatory Cytokines (IL-35, TGF-β) in AD as a diagnostic biomarker for severity of cases with Atopic dermatitis. IL-17 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AD, and IL-17 blocker may be used as a potential future treatment of AD.

Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Case-Control Studies; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Humans; Interleukin-17; Skin Diseases; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Effector and regulatory functions of various leukocytes in allergic diseases have been well reported. Although the role of conventional natural killer (NK) cells has been established, information on its regulatory phenotype and function are very limited. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the phenotype and inhibitory functions of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-producing regulatory NK (NKreg) subset in mice with MC903-induced atopic dermatitis (AD). Interestingly, the population of TGF-β-producing NK cells in peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs) was decreased in AD patients than in healthy subjects. The number of TGF-β

Topics: Animals; Antigens, CD1d; B7-H1 Antigen; Calcitriol; Dermatitis, Atopic; Female; Humans; Killer Cells, Natural; Mice; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Th2 Cells; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 7

Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) containing unmethylated CpG phosphorothioate (PS CpG-ODN) are known to decrease IgE synthesis in Th2 allergy responses. Nonetheless, the therapeutic role of PS CpG-ODN is limited due to cytotoxicity. Therefore, we developed a phosphodiester (PO) form of CpG-ODN (46O) with reduced toxicity but effective against allergies. In this study, we first compared the toxicity of 46O with CpG-ODNs containing a PS backbone (1826S). We also investigated the therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of 46O injected intravenously in a mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD). To elucidate the mechanism of 46O underlying the inhibition of IgE production, IgE- and TGF-

Topics: Dermatitis, Atopic; Humans; Immunoglobulin E; Oligodeoxyribonucleotides; Signal Transduction; Transforming Growth Factor beta

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases, with an increasing incidence in clinical practice. AD models have demonstrated that TGF-β signaling is compromised in regulatory T cells (Tregs).. This study aimed to investigate the TGF-β-dependent in vitro conversion of CD4+CD25- T cells derived from AD-patients into CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ induced Tregs (iTregs) in comparison to healthy controls.. To analyze in vitro iTreg conversion, human CD4+CD25- T cells were cultured on anti-CD3-coated plates in the presence of TGF-β and IL-2 for up to 3 days. Consequently, the underlying mechanism of impaired CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ iTreg generation was explored by focusing on TGF-β signaling. Finally, the functionality of iTregs was investigated.. Conversion of CD4+CD25-Foxp3- into CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ iTregs was diminished in AD individuals. Impaired iTreg generation was accompanied by a reduced surface expression of GARP (glycoprotein A repetitions predominant), a marker for activated Tregs. A reduced expression of Smad3 mRNA was revealed in CD4+CD25- T cells. Interestingly, the suppressive quality of iTregs was found to be equal in cells derived from AD and healthy donors.. The signaling effect of TGF-β receptors on the suppressor quality of iTreg conversion is conserved. Impaired iTreg generation might be a reason for the lack of immune suppression in AD patients and contributes to the chronicity of the disease.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; CD4 Antigens; Cell Differentiation; Dermatitis, Atopic; Female; Forkhead Transcription Factors; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit; Lymphocyte Activation; Male; Middle Aged; T-Lymphocyte Subsets; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Young Adult

Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising therapeutics for autoimmune diseases due to their immunomodulatory effects. In particular, human umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (hUCB-MSCs) have a prominent therapeutic effect on atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. This study investigated the role of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) in the therapeutic effect of hUCB-MSCs on AD. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated depletion of TGF-β disrupted the therapeutic effect of hUCB-MSCs in a mouse model of AD by attenuating the beneficial changes in histopathology, mast cell infiltration, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) expression, and the serum IgE level. To confirm that hUCB-MSCs regulate secretion of TNF-α, we investigated whether they inhibit TNF-α secretion by activated LAD2 cells. Coculture with hUCB-MSCs significantly inhibited secretion of TNF-α by LAD2 cells. However, this effect was abolished by siRNA-mediated depletion of TGF-β in hUCB-MSCs. TNF-α expression in activated LAD2 cells was regulated by the extracellular signal-related kinase signaling pathway and was suppressed by TGF-β secreted from hUCB-MSCs. In addition, TGF-β secreted by hUCB-MSCs inhibited maturation of B cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that TGF-β plays a key role in the therapeutic effect of hUCB-MSCs on AD by regulating TNF-α in mast cells and maturation of B cells.

Topics: Animals; Dermatitis, Atopic; Fetal Blood; Humans; Immunoglobulin E; Mast Cells; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Mice; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Umbilical Cord

Hedgehog (Hh) proteins regulate development and tissue homeostasis, but their role in atopic dermatitis (AD) remains unknown. We found that on induction of mouse AD, Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) expression in skin, and Hh pathway action in skin T cells were increased. Shh signaling reduced AD pathology and the levels of Shh expression determined disease severity. Hh-mediated transcription in skin T cells in AD-induced mice increased Treg populations and their suppressive function through increased active transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in Tregs signaling to skin T effector populations to reduce disease progression and pathology. RNA sequencing of skin CD4+ T cells from AD-induced mice demonstrated that Hh signaling increased expression of immunoregulatory genes and reduced expression of inflammatory and chemokine genes. Addition of recombinant Shh to cultures of naive human CD4+ T cells in iTreg culture conditions increased FOXP3 expression. Our findings establish an important role for Shh upregulation in preventing AD, by increased Gli-driven Treg cell-mediated immune suppression, paving the way for a potential new therapeutic strategy.

Topics: Animals; Dermatitis, Atopic; Forkhead Transcription Factors; Gene Expression Regulation; Hedgehog Proteins; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Signal Transduction; Skin; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Zinc Finger Protein Gli2

Our group recently demonstrated that IgG modulates αβT cell cytokine production during the maturation process in the human thymus. The effects of this modulation are IgG repertoire dependent and can exert a systemic and long-term impact.. To investigate whether IgG from atopic dermatitis (AD) patients can modulate cytokine production of infant intrathymic TCD4 and TCD8 cells in vitro.. Thymic tissues were obtained from newborn children from nonatopic mothers, and thymocytes were cultured for 6 days with purified IgG from AD patients or with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or mock conditions as controls. Cells were gated as double positive T cells (TDP. Compared to mock and IVIG culture conditions, IgG of AD individuals induced in vitro intracellular production of IL-17 and IL-10 by intrathymic TDP, TCD4, and TCD8 cells of infants. TGF-β was also detected at a higher frequency in response to AD IgG in TDP and TCD8 cells compared to mock and IVIG cultured conditions. An opposite effect was detected upon IFN-γ production in TCD4 cells, such that AD IgG reduced IFN-γ production compared to production under mock conditions but not under IVIG conditions.. IgG of AD patients can stimulate cytokine production in infant thymocytes and thus resembles the peripheral profile observed in adults. These findings suggest a novel mechanism that can contribute to AD pathogenesis.

Topics: Adult; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Cells, Cultured; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; Infant, Newborn; Interferon-gamma; Interleukin-10; Interleukin-17; Interleukin-4; Protein Biosynthesis; Thymocytes; Thymus Gland; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Animals with impaired transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 signaling developed spontaneous lethal autoimmune inflammationand autoimmune diseases. Moreover, evidence for modified TGF-β signaling in atopic dermatitis (AD) exists. Therefore, the goal of this study was to determine whether SB-431542, a potent and selective inhibitor of the TGF-β type 1 receptor (TGF-βR1), could attenuate such a severe reaction in mice. In addition, the molecular underpinnings the possible protective effects were also investigated. Repeated epicutaneous application of DNCB was performed on the ear and shaved dorsal skin of miceto induce AD-like symptoms and skin lesions. SB-431542 (1 mg/kg) was given by intra-peritoneal injection three times weekly for 3 weeks to assess the anti-pruritic effects. Serum levels of TGF-β1, TGF-βR1, latency-associated peptide (LAP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 were assessed by ELISA. Moreover, the gene expression of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were determined. Apoptotic pathway was evaluated by measuring the activity of caspase-3 and by staining skin sections with anti-caspase-3 antibodies. We found that SB-431542 alleviated DNCB-induced AD-like symptoms as quantified by skin lesion,dermatitisscore, ear thickness and scratching behavior. In parallel, SB-431542 blocked DNCB-induced elevation in serum levels of TNF-α, TGF-β1, TGF-βR1, LAP, IL-1β, IL-6 and IgE. The collective results indicate that SB-431542 partially suppresses DNCB-induced AD in micevia reduction of TGF-β1 signaling pathway associated with inhibition of inflammation and apoptosis.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Benzamides; Biomarkers; Caspase 3; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dinitrochlorobenzene; Dioxoles; Disease Models, Animal; Enzyme Activation; Fibrosis; Gene Expression Regulation; Hypersensitivity; Inflammation; Inflammation Mediators; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Receptor, Transforming Growth Factor-beta Type I; Skin; Transforming Growth Factor beta

Since its first description, ADAMTS14 has been considered as an aminoprocollagen peptidase based on its high similarity with ADAMTS3 and ADAMTS2. As its importance for procollagen processing was never experimentally demonstrated in vivo, we generated Adamts14-deficient mice. They are healthy, fertile and display normal aminoprocollagen processing. They were further crossed with Adamts2-deficient mice to evaluate potential functional redundancies between these two highly related enzymes. Initial characterizations made on young Adamts2-Adamts14-deficient animals showed the same phenotype as that of Adamts2-deficient mice, with no further reduction of procollagen processing and no significant aggravation of the structural alterations of collagen fibrils. However, when evaluated at older age, Adamts2-Adamts14-deficient mice surprisingly displayed epidermal lesions, appearing in 2 month-old males and later in some females, and then worsening rapidly. Immunohistological evaluations of skin sections around the lesions revealed thickening of the epidermis, hypercellularity in the dermis and extensive infiltration by immune cells. Additional investigations, performed on young mice before the formation of the initial lesions, revealed that the primary cause of the phenotype was not related to alterations of the epidermal barrier but was rather the result of an abnormal activation and differentiation of T lymphocytes towards a Th1 profile. However, the primary molecular defect probably does not reside in the immune system itself since irradiated Adamts2-Adamts14-deficient mice grafted with WT immune cells still developed lesions. While originally created to better characterize the common and specific functions of ADAMTS2 and ADAMTS14 in extracellular matrix and connective tissues homeostasis, the Adamts2-Adamts14-deficient mice revealed an unexpected but significant role of ADAMTS in the regulation of immune system, possibly through a cross-talk involving mesenchymal cells and the TGFβ pathways.

Topics: ADAMTS Proteins; Animals; Cell Differentiation; Cell Movement; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dermis; Epidermis; Extracellular Matrix; Female; Gene Expression Regulation; Immunity, Innate; Isoenzymes; Male; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Procollagen; Signal Transduction; T-Lymphocytes; Transforming Growth Factor beta

T helper type 9 (TH9) cells can mediate tumor immunity and participate in autoimmune and allergic inflammation in mice, but little is known about the TH9 cells that develop in vivo in humans. We isolated T cells from human blood and tissues and found that most memory TH9 cells were skin-tropic or skin-resident. Human TH9 cells coexpressed tumor necrosis factor-α and granzyme B and lacked coproduction of TH1/TH2/TH17 cytokines, and many were specific for Candida albicans. Interleukin-9 (IL-9) production was transient and preceded the up-regulation of other inflammatory cytokines. Blocking studies demonstrated that IL-9 was required for maximal production of interferon-γ, IL-9, IL-13, and IL-17 by skin-tropic T cells. IL-9-producing T cells were increased in the skin lesions of psoriasis, suggesting that these cells may contribute to human inflammatory skin disease. Our results indicate that human TH9 cells are a discrete T cell subset, many are tropic for the skin, and although they may function normally to protect against extracellular pathogens, aberrant activation of these cells may contribute to inflammatory diseases of the skin.

Topics: Animals; Autocrine Communication; Candida albicans; Dermatitis, Atopic; Humans; Inflammation; Interleukin-2; Interleukin-9; Lymphocyte Activation; Mice; Paracrine Communication; Psoriasis; Skin; T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer; Transforming Growth Factor beta

Although regulatory T cells (Tregs) are affected in several autoimmune skin diseases, only two studies have been performed in patients with bullous pemphigoid (BP) with contrasting results.. To characterize Tregs and to determine the serum levels of regulatory cytokines in patients with BP.. In BP lesional skin, immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy were performed for CD4(+) , CD25(+) , forkhead/winged helix transcription factor (FOXP3)(+) , transforming growth factor (TGF)-β(+) and interleukin (IL)-10(+) cells. In addition, the number of CD4(+) CD25(++) FOXP3(+) Tregs in peripheral blood was assessed by flow cytometry, and the levels of TGF-β and IL-10 were determined in serum samples by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay before and after steroid therapy. Controls included patients with psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (AD) and healthy donors.. The frequency of FOXP3(+) cells was significantly reduced in skin lesions from patients with BP (P < 0.001) compared with psoriasis and AD. Moreover, the number of IL-10(+) cells was lower in BP than in psoriasis (P < 0.001) and AD (P = 0.002), while no differences were observed in the number of TGF-β(+) cells. CD4(+) CD25(++) FOXP3(+) Treg in the peripheral blood of patients with BP was significantly reduced compared with healthy controls (P < 0.001), and augmented significantly after steroid therapy (P = 0.001). Finally, TGF-β and IL-10 serum levels were similar in patients with BP compared with healthy controls. However, after therapy, BP patients showed significantly higher IL-10 serum levels than before therapy (P = 0.01).. These data suggest that the depletion of Tregs and of IL-10 in patients with BP may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; CD4 Antigens; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Dermatitis, Atopic; Female; Forkhead Transcription Factors; Humans; Interleukin-10; Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit; Male; Middle Aged; Pemphigoid, Bullous; Psoriasis; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Young Adult

Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (AD) are the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases. Although both patient groups show strongly impaired skin barrier function, only AD patients frequently suffer from cutaneous viral infections. The mechanisms underlying the distinct susceptibilities to these pathogenetic and often life-threatening infections are unknown. We show that antiviral proteins (AVPs) such as MX1, BST2, ISG15, and OAS2 were strongly elevated in psoriatic compared to AD lesions and healthy skin. Of 30 individually quantified cytokines in psoriatic lesions, interleukin-29 (IL-29) was the only mediator whose expression correlated with the AVP levels. IL-29 was absent in AD lesions, and neutralization of IL-29 in psoriatic skin reduced AVP expression. Accordingly, IL-29 raised AVP levels in isolated keratinocytes, epidermis models, and human skin explants, but did not influence antibacterial protein production. AVP induction correlated with increased antiviral defense of IL-29-treated keratinocytes. Furthermore, IL-29 elevated the expression of signaling elements, resulting in increased sensitivity of keratinocytes toward its own action. We identified T helper 17 (T(H)17) cells as IL-29 producers and demonstrated their ability to increase the antiviral competence of keratinocytes in an IL-29-dependent manner. Transforming growth factor-β and the activity of RORγt/RORα were most critical for the development of IL-29-producing T(H)17 cells. IL-29 secretion by these cells was dependent on NFAT and c-Jun N-terminal kinase and was inhibited by IL-4. These data suggest that T(H)17 cell-derived IL-29, which is absent in AD, mediates the robust antiviral state on psoriatic skin, and demonstrate a new function of T(H)17 cells.

Topics: Adult; Dermatitis, Atopic; Herpesvirus 1, Human; Humans; Interferon-gamma; Interferons; Interleukins; Keratinocytes; Psoriasis; Signal Transduction; Skin; Th17 Cells; Transforming Growth Factor beta

Probiotics modulate the immune response and may have protective effects against atopic dermatitis (AD). Clinical trials using dogs with spontaneous disease are limited by confounding factors such as different diets, environments and sensitizations while a more controlled evaluation is possible using experimental models. A validated model of canine AD showed that early exposure to Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) significantly decreases allergen-specific IgE and partially prevents AD in the first 6 months of life. This study is a follow-up three years after discontinuation of LGG. Clinical signs were evaluated after allergen challenge with ragweed, timothy, Dermatophagoides farinae. Allergen-specific IgE, IL-10 and TGF-β were measured on the 1st day of challenge, before allergen exposure. Normal dogs were included as controls. Analyses included seven dogs in the non-probiotic and nine in the probiotic litter. For clinical scores, a 2-Group × 9-Time Analysis of Variance showed significant effects of group (p=0.0003, probiotic

Topics: Animals; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dermatophagoides farinae; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Follow-Up Studies; Immunoglobulin E; Interleukin-10; Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus; Probiotics; Transforming Growth Factor beta

Food allergies are important etiologic factors in atopic dermatitis. CD19 is a B-cell-specific cell-surface molecule, with a critical role in B-cell activation. Recently, B cells showed independent two subpopulations as CD19(high) and CD19(low). The allergen-specific responses of the CD19(high) and CD19(low) B-cell subpopulations were investigated in patients with non-IgE-mediated food allergy.. Five milk-allergic subjects and eight milk-tolerant subjects were selected by a double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated in vitro with casein or ovalbumin and stained with monoclonal antibodies to distinguish the B-cell subsets.. After allergen stimulation, CD19(high) B cells increased in the number and the fraction in PBMCs in the milk-tolerant group, whereas those remained unchanged in the milk-allergic group. These responses were constant, regardless of the kind of food allergen (milk or egg). The resulting CD19(high)/CD19(low) B-cell ratio increased markedly in the milk-tolerant group after allergen stimulation, but was unchanged in the milk-allergic group. IL-10, IL-17, IL-32 and TGF-β- producing regulatory B cells and Foxp3-expressing regulatory B cells were identified predominantly on CD19 low and CD5(+) B cells.. The response of the CD19(high) B-cell subpopulation to allergen stimulation is decisive for immune tolerance of non-IgE-mediated food allergy in atopic dermatitis. CD19 high and CD5(+) B cells dominantly produce cytokines and express Foxp3. Especially, IL-17 and IL-32 expressing B cells (Br17 & Br32) are present. The exact immunological role of CD19 and cytokines including IL-17 and IL-32 around B cells in immune tolerance requires further investigation.

Topics: Adolescent; Allergens; Animals; Antigens, CD19; B-Lymphocyte Subsets; CD5 Antigens; Dermatitis, Atopic; Double-Blind Method; Eczema; Female; Food Hypersensitivity; Forkhead Transcription Factors; Humans; Immune Tolerance; Immunoglobulin E; Interleukin-10; Interleukin-17; Interleukins; Lymphocyte Activation; Male; Milk; Transforming Growth Factor beta

T-lymphocytes are believed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). However, the reasons that lead to loss of tolerance and to development of autoimmunity in DLE remain unclear. In the present paper, we investigated serum levels of the regulatory cytokines transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and interleukin (IL)-10 in 25 newly diagnosed patients with DLE, 15 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 10 with psoriasis, 10 with atopic dermatitis (AD) and 20 healthy controls (HC). TGF-β serum levels were significantly lower in patients with DLE compared with patients with psoriasis and HC, while no differences were found between DLE, SLE and AD (medians: DLE: 28.49 ng/ml; psoriasis: 42.77 ng/ml; HC: 43.71 ng/ml; DLE vs. psoriasis: p < 0.05; DLE vs. HC: p < 0.05). IL-10 concentrations were reduced in DLE serum samples with respect to SLE, psoriasis, AD and HC (medians: DLE: 46.42 pg/ml; SLE: 127.64 pg/ml; psoriasis: 109.3 pg/ml; AD: 76.3 pg/ml; HC: 114.71 pg/ml; DLE vs. SLE: p < 0.05; DLE vs. psoriasis: p < 0.05; DLE vs. AD: p < 0.05; DLE vs. HC: p < 0.05). The downregulation of TGF-β and IL-10 in DLE may lead to defective immune suppression and thus to the generation of the tissue injury that is found in lupus patients.

Topics: Adult; Case-Control Studies; Dermatitis, Atopic; Down-Regulation; Female; Humans; Interleukin-10; Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Male; Middle Aged; Psoriasis; Transforming Growth Factor beta

To elucidate the possible involvement of nitric oxide (NO) derived from inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in the pathogenesis of patients with allergic rhinitis, we used an animal model of atopic dermatitis (AD) induced by epicutaneous sensitization and analysed the differences in ear thickness, the frequency of scratching and plasma levels of ovalbumin-specific immunoglobulin E (OVA-IgE), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) between control and iNOS(-/-) mice. Eight-week-old control and iNOS(-/-) male C57BL/6j mice were sensitized three times with OVA antigen. Before and after the last skin sensitization, the number of scratching incidents and the thickness of the ear were examined, and the plasma levels of OVA-IgE, α-MSH, ACTH, TGF-β and TNF-α were analysed by ELISA. Sensitization of mice with OVA resulted in increased plasma levels of OVA-IgE, α-MSH, ACTH, TGF-β and TNF-α in control, but not in iNOS(-/-) mice. The administration of l-nitro-arginine-methyl ester (l-NAME) abolished all the above changes that occurred in the control mice. In addition, iNOS(-/-) mice given α-MSH exhibited a change similar to that seen in the control, whereas iNOS(-/-) mice given ACTH, TGF-β or TNF-α did not demonstrate any changes. These results indicate that symptoms of AD such as scratching can be exacerbated by α-MSH, which is induced by iNOS-derived NO.

Topics: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; alpha-MSH; Animals; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; Enzyme Inhibitors; Histamine; Immunoglobulin E; Male; Mast Cells; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; Ovalbumin; Pruritus; Skin; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Tryptases; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have been used to treat dogs with atopic dermatitis but the mechanism of action has not been well understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro influence of PUFA on canine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). PBMC isolated from eleven dogs with atopic dermatitis and eleven healthy control dogs were stimulated with concanavalin A and Dermatophagoides farinae extract in the presence of linoleic acid (LA), gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and GLA/EPA/DHA. Subsequently, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukin (IL)-4 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta m-RNA was performed. In the presence of concanavalin A, only PBMC of healthy dogs showed a gradual reduction in proliferation index from incubation without PUFA to incubation with ALA, EPA/DHA and GLA/EPA/DHA, respectively. A similar reduction was seen in normal and in atopic dogs in the presence of D. farinae allergen after incubation with ALA, EPA/DHA and GLA/EPA/DHA. In both groups IL-4 and IFN-gamma but not TGF-beta gene transcription was upregulated, when cells were incubated with D. farinae. Allergen-induced upregulation was not influenced by incubation with PUFA. These findings suggest that PUFA are able to influence proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in healthy and atopic dogs but do not seem to influence gene transcription of IL-4, IFN-gamma and TGF-beta.

Topics: Animals; Cell Proliferation; Cells, Cultured; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Gene Expression Regulation; Interferon-gamma; Interleukin-4; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Transforming Growth Factor beta

Atopic dermatitis is well known to exacerbate by stress. How the influence of exercise stress on the skin symptoms in patients with atopic dermatitis has not been clarified. The purpose of our research is to investigate how different strength of exercise stress acts on atopic dermatitis. Specific pathogen-free (SPF) and conventional NC/Nga male mice were used for the experiments. Conventional mice but not SPF group spontaneously develop dermal symptom similar to that of patients with atopic dermatitis at their age of 7 weeks. They were given two types of stress, mild (20 m/min for 60 min) or strong exercise (25 m/min for 90 min), using a treadmill four times per day. The dermal symptom of the conventional group was strongly exacerbated by strong exercise but ameliorated by mild exercise. Under the standard experimental conditions, plasma concentrations of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and substance P in conventional mice increased markedly with concomitant exacerbation of the symptom. The plasma concentrations of these proteins elevated after strong exercise but decreased after mild exercise. Under the conventional conditions, plasma levels of β-endorphin increased with time by some mechanisms enhanced by the mild exercise. These observations suggested that exercise-induced stress significantly affect the symptom of atopic dermatitis in a pivotal manner depending on the plasma levels of TGF-β, α-MSH, substance P and β-endorphin.

Topics: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; alpha-MSH; Animals; beta-Endorphin; Dermatitis, Atopic; Exercise Test; Immunoglobulin E; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Skin; Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms; Stress, Physiological; Substance P; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Periostin is an extracellular matrix protein that has been primarily studied in the context of the heart, where it has been shown to promote cardiac repair and remodeling. In this study, we focused on the role of periostin in an allergic eosinophilic inflammatory disease (eosinophilic esophagitis (EE)) known to involve extensive tissue remodeling. Periostin was indeed markedly overexpressed (35-fold) in the esophagus of EE patients, particularly in the papillae, compared with control individuals. Periostin expression was downstream from transforming growth factor-beta and interleukin-13, as these cytokines were elevated in EE esophageal samples and markedly induced periostin production by primary esophageal fibroblasts (107- and 295-fold, respectively, at 10 ng ml(-1)). A functional role for periostin in eliciting esophageal eosinophilia was demonstrated, as periostin-null mice had a specific defect in allergen-induced eosinophil recruitment to the lungs and esophagus (66 and 72% decrease, respectively). Mechanistic analyses revealed that periostin increased (5.8-fold) eosinophil adhesion to fibronectin. As such, these findings extend the involvement of periostin to esophagitis and uncover a novel role for periostin in directly regulating leukocyte (eosinophil) accumulation in T helper type 2-associated mucosal inflammation in both mice and humans.

Topics: Animals; Asthma; Cell Adhesion; Cell Adhesion Molecules; Dermatitis, Atopic; Eosinophils; Esophagitis; Esophagus; Fibroblasts; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Interleukin-13; Lung; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Pulmonary Eosinophilia; Rhinitis; Transforming Growth Factor beta

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by itchy, dry, and inflamed skin. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta is an important fibrogenic and immunomodulatory factor that regulates cellular processes in the injured and inflamed skin. This study examines the role of the TGF-beta-Smad signaling pathway using Smad3-deficient mice in a murine model of AD. Dermatitis was induced in mice by epicutaneous application of ovalbumin (OVA) applied in a patch to tape-stripped skin. OVA-specific IgE and IgG2a antibody levels were measured by ELISA. Skin biopsies from sensitized skin areas were used for RNA isolation, histology, and immunohistochemical examination. The thickness of dermis was significantly reduced in OVA-sensitized skin of Smad3-/- mice. The defect in the dermal thickness was accompanied by a decrease in the expression of mRNA for proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-1beta in the OVA-sensitized skin. In contrast, the number of mast cells was significantly increased in OVA-sensitized skin of Smad3-/- mice, which also exhibited elevated levels of OVA-specific IgE. These results demonstrate that the Smad3-pathway regulates allergen-induced skin inflammation and systemic IgE antibody production in a murine model AD. The Smad3 signaling pathway might be a potential target in the therapy of allergic skin diseases.

Topics: Animals; Collagen; Dermatitis, Atopic; Immunoglobulin E; Interleukin-1beta; Interleukin-6; Mast Cells; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Ovalbumin; Signal Transduction; Skin; Smad3 Protein; Transforming Growth Factor beta

The kinetics of cytokine expression was evaluated in whole blood from high-IgE beagles previously sensitized to house dust mites (HDM) and known to develop clinical signs compatible with atopic dermatitis (AD) upon allergen exposure. Six high-IgE beagles were environmentally challenged daily for 3 h on three consecutive days with a HDM solution. Clinical signs were evaluated before, during, and after the conclusion of the challenge (days 0, 2, 4 and 17) and expression analyses of Th2 (IL-4 and IL-13) and regulatory (IL-10 and TGF-beta) cytokine mRNA were undertaken on blood samples at each time point using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Multiple comparison used to detect significant differences in clinical scores and expression levels of cytokine mRNA revealed that the clinical scores on days 2 and 4 were higher than those on days 0 and 17 (P < 0.05) but no temporal differences in the expression levels of IL-4 and IL-13 mRNA. Expression of TGF-beta mRNA was, however, significantly lower on day 4 (P < 0.05) and the expression of IL-10 mRNA on days 4 and 17 was significantly lower than those on days 0 and 2 (P < 0.05). The results indicate that allergen challenge decreases mRNA expression of regulatory cytokines in whole blood without enhanced mRNA expression of Th2 cytokines and suggest aberrant regulatory T-cell function in the immunopathogenesis of AD in high-IgE beagles.

Topics: Allergens; Animals; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; DNA Primers; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Female; Immunoglobulin E; Interleukin-10; Interleukin-13; Interleukin-4; Male; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Pyroglyphidae; RNA, Messenger; Skin Tests; Transforming Growth Factor beta

The role of regulatory T cells has been widely reported in the suppression of T-cell activation. A dysfunction in CD4(+)CD25(+) T-regulatory cell-specific transcription factor FoxP3 leads to immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy X-linked syndrome, often associated with atopic dermatitis. Increasing the number and activity of regulatory T cells in affected organs has been suggested as a remedy in various inflammatory diseases, including allergy.. To determine the presence and function of regulatory T cells in atopic dermatitis.. Immunohistochemistry of lesional atopic dermatitis skin and control skin conditions was used to demonstrate regulatory cells and cytokines in situ. The role of effector and regulatory T cells as well as their specific cytokines in apoptosis in human keratinocyte cultures and artificial skin equivalents was investigated.. Human T-regulatory type 1 cells, their suppressive cytokines, IL-10 and TGF-beta, as well as receptors for these cytokines were significantly expressed, whereas CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) T-regulatory cells were not found in lesional and atopy patch test atopic dermatitis or psoriasis skin. Both subsets of regulatory T cells suppress the allergen-specific activation of T(H)1 and T(H)2 cells. In coculture and artificial skin equivalent experiments, subsets of T-regulatory cells neither induced keratinocyte death nor suppressed apoptosis induced by skin T cells, T(H)1 cells, IFN-gamma, or TNF-alpha.. A dysregulation of disease-causing effector T cells is observed in atopic dermatitis lesions, in association with an impaired CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) T-cell infiltration, despite the expression of type 1 regulatory cells in the dermis.

Topics: Adult; Apoptosis; Dermatitis, Atopic; Humans; Interferon-gamma; Interleukin-10; Interleukin-4; Keratinocytes; Middle Aged; Receptors, Interleukin; Receptors, Interleukin-10; Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta; Skin; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Transforming Growth Factor beta

Precise relationship between breastfeeding and infant allergy is poorly understood. Objective Aim was to quantify TGF-beta(1) and IL-10 in colostrum and mature milk from allergic and non-allergic mothers and to verify relationship with allergic disease development.. Mothers (13 allergics, nine controls) of 22 newborns participated to prospective study on development of children atopy. Colostrum and mature milk were assayed for TGF-beta(1) and IL-10 by ELISA. Children underwent paediatrician evaluation at 6 months of life.. Data are presented as median values and range. A significant difference in concentration of TGF-beta(1) between colostrum (330, range 0-3400 pg/mL) and mature milk (215, range 0-2400 pg/mL) was observed in samples from allergic mothers (P=0.015). In mature milk TGF-beta(1) was significantly lower in allergic (215, range 0-2400 pg/mL) than in non-allergic mothers (1059, range 0-6250 pg/mL) (P=0.015). IL-10 was weakly expressed without significant differences between allergic (4.8, range 0-42 and 9.5, range 0-42 pg/mL in colostrum and in mature milk) and non-allergic mothers (0, range 0-42 pg/mL in colostrum and 0, range 0-42 pg/mL in mature milk). After 6 months 46% infants from allergic mothers, but none from controls, presented atopic dermatitis.. TGF-beta(1) was significantly less secreted in mature milk of allergic mothers, while no difference in IL-10 was found. Particular cytokine patterns in milk could influence development of atopic diseases. Further immunological studies in this field are necessary.

Topics: Breast Feeding; Colostrum; Dermatitis, Atopic; Female; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Interleukin-10; Milk, Human; Prospective Studies; Respiratory Sounds; Transforming Growth Factor beta

Topics: Adult; Dermatitis, Atopic; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pilot Projects; RNA, Messenger; Smad Proteins; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Ultraviolet Therapy

Conflicting evidence exists concerning the protective role of breastfeeding in allergy and atopic disease aetiology. Breast milk contains biologically active molecules influencing the innate immune system of newborns.. We aim to assess whether cytokines (TGF-beta1, IL-10 and IL-12) and soluble CD14 (sCD14) in breast milk are influenced by maternal atopic constitution and modify the development of atopic manifestations in infants.. Milk samples were collected at 1 month post-partum of 315 lactating mothers participating in the ongoing KOALA Birth Cohort Study. The cytokines and sCD14 were analysed by ELISA in the aqueous fraction. We compared the concentrations of cytokines and sCD14 in breast milk between mothers with and without an allergic history and also with and without allergic sensitization (specific IgE). Associations of cytokines and sCD14 with the development of eczema, wheezing in the first 2 years of life and allergic sensitization of infants at the age of 2 years were analysed by multivariate logistic regression analyses to correct for confounders.. We found higher sCD14 levels in mothers with a positive vs. negative allergic history (7.6 vs. 7.0 microg/mL; P = 0.04) and in mothers who were sensitized vs. non-sensitized (7.8 vs. 7.1 microg/mL; P = 0.03). None of the studied immune factors were associated with infant's atopic outcomes. IL-10 was not detected above the detection limit of 0.2 pg/mL.. Taking together the results of the present and previous studies, we conclude that there is no convincing evidence for a relation between TGF-beta1, sCD14, IL-10 or IL-12 in breast milk and atopic manifestations in infants.

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin E; Immunologic Tests; Infant; Interleukin-10; Interleukin-12; Lipopolysaccharide Receptors; Milk, Human; Mothers; Netherlands; Prospective Studies; Transforming Growth Factor beta

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with immunopathologic features that vary depending on the duration of the lesion. The dermis of lesional skin of AD patients shows an increased number of inflammatory cells such as mast cells, eosinophils and mononuclear cells and superficial Staphylococcus aureus colonization.. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of peptidoglycan (PEG) from S. aureus on mast cell induction in murine skin.. PEG was applied to barrier-disrupted abdominal skin of mice every 5 days and the number of mast cells in the abdominal skin was counted 20 days after the first application. The cytokine response was investigated by RT-PCR and immunohistologic analysis.. The number of mast cells in the skin of mice treated with PEG was increased significantly compared with that of mice given phosphate-buffered saline. In addition, application of PEG to the abdominal skin increased the expression of mRNA for transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)), which supports mast cell migration, but not that for IL-3 or stem cell factor, which support both mast cell proliferation and mast cell migration. Immunohistologic analysis demonstrated that levels of TGF-beta(1) transcripts corresponded with those of protein synthesis in the epidermis. TGF-beta(1) was found to be highly expressed in keratinocytes of the basal epidermis of PEG-treated skin. Furthermore, intraperitoneal injection of anti-TGF-beta(1) antibodies neutralized the induction of mast cells into the skin.. These results suggest that PEG may have the ability to induce an increase in mast cell numbers in the skin through TGF-beta(1) production by epidermal keratinocytes. Skin inflammation might therefore be linked to colonization with S. aureus in AD patients.

Topics: Abdomen; Administration, Cutaneous; Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Cell Count; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dermis; Female; Immunohistochemistry; Injections, Intraperitoneal; Keratinocytes; Mast Cells; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Peptidoglycan; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger; Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms; Staphylococcal Infections; Staphylococcus aureus; Time Factors; Transforming Growth Factor beta

Hyper-IgE syndrome (HIES) is a primary immunodeficiency disease characterized by recurrent infections and marked immunoglobulin (Ig)E elevation. To assess the proper T-cell defects of HIES, the cytokine profile of naturally activated T cells was compared between HIES, atopic dermatitis and chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). Intracellular flow cytometric analysis after in vitro stimulation showed no difference in the proportion of interferon (IFN)gamma- or interleukin 4 (IL-4)-producing T cells among these diseases. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the cytokine genes was performed using circulating highly fractionated HLA-DR+ and HLA-DR- T cells. The IFNgamma/IL-4 or IFNgamma/IL-10 ratios were lower in HLA-DR+ T cells of HIES than in CGD (P = 0.0106, 0.0445), but did not differ between HIES and atopy. The transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta)/IL-4 ratio in HLA-DR+ T cells of HIES was lower than that of atopy (0.0106) or CGD (0.0062). The TGFbeta/IL-4 ratio in HLA-DR- T cells of HIES was also lower than that of atopy (0.0285). Stepwise logistic regression analysis identified TGFbeta/IL-4 ratios in HLA-DR+ (0.0001) or HLA-DR- (0.0086) T cells as the most powerful parameters to distinguish HIES from atopy and/or CGD. Serum IgE levels negatively correlated with IFNgamma/IL-4 (0.0108), IFNgamma/IL-10 (0.0254), or TGFbeta/IL-4 (0.0163) ratios in HLA-DR+, but not HLA-DR-, T cells. These results suggested that the in vivo activated T cells of HIES did not sufficiently express the IFNgamma and TGFbeta genes, which could affect IL-4-dependent IgE production. The reduced TGFbeta expression may involve the indigenous T-cell defects of HIES.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Dermatitis, Atopic; Female; Gene Expression; Granulomatous Disease, Chronic; Humans; Immunoglobulin E; Interferon-gamma; Interleukin-4; Job Syndrome; Lymphocyte Activation; Male; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Statistics, Nonparametric; T-Lymphocytes; Transforming Growth Factor beta

In atopic dermatitis (AD) there is evidence of tissue fibrosis involving a number of structural changes, including papillary dermal fibrosis and epidermal hyperplasia. These changes are suggested to be the result of chronic inflammation of the skin. Several remodeling-associated cytokines, including transforming growth factor (TGF) beta1, IL-11, and IL-17, have been shown to be increased in allergic diseases, including asthma.. We investigated TGF-beta1, IL-11, and IL-17 expression in skin biopsy specimens recovered from acute and chronic skin lesions from patients with AD, as well as from uninvolved skin of patients with AD and skin from healthy volunteers. We also examined the correlation between the expression of these cytokines and the extent of total, type I, and type III collagen deposition.. We evaluated the expression of TGF-beta1, IL-11, and IL-17 by means of immunohistochemistry. Collagen deposition was assessed by means of immunohistochemistry and van Gieson staining.. TGF-beta1 expression was markedly enhanced in both acute and particularly chronic lesions (P <.001). Although IL-11 expression was significantly increased only in chronic lesions (P <.0001), IL-17 was preferentially associated with acute lesions (P <.005). Although collagen type III deposition was not significantly different among the groups, type I collagen deposition was significantly increased in chronic AD lesions (P <.0005). There was a significant correlation between IL-11 and type I collagen deposition, as well as the number of eosinophils in skin specimens from patients with AD (r (2) = 0.527, and r (2) = 0.622, respectively; P <.0001).. These results suggest that TGF-beta1, IL-11, and IL-17 are involved in the remodeling of skin lesions in patients with AD. However, IL-11 and IL-17 are preferentially expressed at different stages of the disease. Type I collagen appeared to be the major subtype involved in this repair process.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Chronic Disease; Collagen Type I; Collagen Type III; Dermatitis, Atopic; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Immunophenotyping; Interleukin-11; Interleukin-17; Middle Aged; Skin; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Transforming Growth Factor beta1

T cells are key regulators of immunologic disease parameters. However, their contribution to the process of tissue remodeling is ill defined. In the present study, we investigated gene expression of allergy-characteristic, IL-4-rich T cell cDNAs to monitor expression of genes that might participate in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases.. cDNAs of freshly isolated and restimulated CD4+ T cells from patients with allergic asthma (AA) or atopic dermatitis (AD) and healthy subjects were analyzed on Nylon membrane-based DNA arrays. Three patients were selected for an allergy-characteristic T cell phenotype with high IL-4 expression (AA) or IL-13 expression (AD).. Several gene families such as the TGF-beta family, chemokines and chemokine receptors were found to be upregulated. Matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors were also found to be expressed in an enhanced manner. Furthermore, factors regulating tissue turnover such as fibroblast growth factors and neurotrophic as well as vasoactive factors were found be expressed at a higher level in allergic patient compared to healthy donors.. The present study reveals and confirms genes relevant for allergy and highlights an approach to applying a DNA array technique for diagnostic discrimination of allergic diseases.

Topics: Asthma; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Endothelin-3; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Interleukin-13; Interleukin-4; Matrix Metalloproteinases; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Receptors, Chemokine; RNA; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases; Transforming Growth Factor beta

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory disorder characterized by pruritic and eczematous skin lesions. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 has been implicated in the suppression of inflammatory responses.. The purpose of this study is to determine whether TGF-beta1 suppresses skin lesions in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis.. We used the NC/Nga strain of mice as an in vivo model of atopic dermatitis. The effects of exogenous TGF-beta1 on atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice were evaluated clinically, histologically and immunologically.. Subcutaneous injection of recombinant TGF-beta1 macroscopically suppressed eczematous skin lesions in NC/Nga mice associated with reduced serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. Histological analysis showed that TGF-beta1 significantly inhibited the infiltration of inflammatory cells such as mast cells and eosinophils into the skin of NC/Nga mice. Spontaneous interferon (IFN)-gamma production from splenocytes of NC/Nga mice was down-regulated by the treatment with TGF-beta1 and neutralizing antibody against IFN-gamma inhibited skin lesions in NC/Nga mice. The inhibitory effect of TGF-beta1 on the skin lesions lasted at least 1 week after cessation of the treatment.. These findings indicate that TGF-beta1 suppressed atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice at least in part through down-regulation of IFN-gamma. These results suggest that TGF-beta1 may have a therapeutic potential for atopic dermatitis.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; Immunoglobulin E; Interferon-gamma; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Recombinant Proteins; Spleen; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Transforming Growth Factor beta1

Atopic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin disease of humans and dogs. Human atopic dermatitis is associated with Th2-type responses, although Th1 cytokines can be identified in chronic lesions. In contrast, tolerance to environmental allergens in healthy individuals is mediated by regulatory T cells.. This study examined the expression of the immunosuppressive cytokines TGF-beta and IL-10, the Th2-type cytokines IL-4 and IL-6, and the Th1-type cytokines IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-2, IL-12p35 and IL-12p40, in canine atopic dermatitis.. RNA was isolated from lesional atopic, non-lesional atopic and healthy canine skin samples. Semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCRs) were carried out using specific primers and one-way analyses of variance used to compare cytokine expression in each group.. Canine atopic dermatitis was associated with over-expression of IL-4 mRNA and reduced transcription of TGF-beta compared with healthy skin (P < 0.05). Higher levels of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and IL-2 mRNA were seen in lesional compared with non-lesional and healthy skin (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in IL-10, IL-6, IL-12p35 or IL-12p40 transcription between the three groups.. This is the first report to demonstrate that canine atopic dermatitis is associated with over-production of IL-4. Clinical tolerance in healthy individuals appears to be associated with TGF-beta, although it is unclear if this reflects an active mechanism or simply non-responsiveness of the immune system. Th1 cytokines may be induced by subsequent self-trauma and secondary infections in atopic skin. We believe that these results better characterize spontaneously occurring canine atopic dermatitis. We further propose that this should be investigated as a possible animal model of human atopic dermatitis.

Topics: Animals; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dermatitis, Contact; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Interleukin-10; RNA, Messenger; Th1 Cells; Th2 Cells; Transcription, Genetic; Transforming Growth Factor beta

Atopic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin disease of humans and dogs. Human atopic dermatitis is associated with T-helper (Th) 2 type responses, although Th1 cytokines are present in chronic lesions. This study used semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reactions to determine the expression of gene transcripts for immunosuppressive cytokines (transforming growth factor beta [TGFbeta] and interleukin [IL]-10), Th2 type cytokines (IL-4 and IL-6) and Th1 type cytokines (interferon gamma [IFNgamma], tumour necrosis factor alpha [TNFalpha], IL-2 and IL-12) in lesional atopic, non-lesional atopic and healthy canine skin. Canine atopic dermatitis was associated with over-expression of IL-4 mRNA and reduced transcription of TGFbeta compared to healthy skin (ANOVA, p<0.05). Higher levels of IFNgamma, TNFalpha and IL-2 mRNA were seen in lesional compared to non-lesional and healthy skin (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in IL-10, IL-6 or IL-12 transcription. This is the first report to demonstrate that canine atopic dermatitis is associated with over-production of IL-4 and under expression of TGFbeta.

Topics: Animals; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Interleukin-2; Interleukin-4; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger; Th1 Cells; Th2 Cells; Transforming Growth Factor beta

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with hyperresponsiveness of lymphocytes to allergens. In acute AD only T(H)2-type lymphocytes are activated, whereas in more chronic forms of AD, the activity of both T(H)1- and T(H)2-type lymphocytes increases. IL-10 and transforming growth factor beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) are immunosuppressive cytokines that inhibit the activity of both T(H) cell types in human subjects.. The aim of this study was to determine whether children with moderately severe chronic AD had IL10 or TGFB1 genotypes known to be associated with low cytokine production.. Using amplification refractory mutation screening PCR, we examined TGFB1 and IL10 gene polymorphisms, which are known to affect cytokine production, in 68 children with moderately severe AD and in 50 nonatopic children.. The odds ratio of children with AD having a low TGFB1 producer genotype was 4.8 (95% CI, 2.4--9.7) compared with the control subjects (P <.0001). There were no differences in the frequency of IL10 gene polymorphisms between groups.. TGFB1 genotype may partly explain the strong genetic predisposition to AD.

Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Dermatitis, Atopic; Female; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Humans; Interleukin-10; Male; Odds Ratio; Polymorphism, Genetic; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Transforming Growth Factor beta1

Advances in the treatment of allergic disorders require elucidation of the autoregulatory immune systems induced in averting detrimental inflammatory responses against invading foreign Ags. We previously reported that excessive Ags intruding through the airway mucosa induce a subset of regulatory CD4+ T cells secreting TGF-beta in the regional mediastinal lymph nodes (MLNs), which inhibits Th2 cells and subsequent eosinophilic inflammation in the trachea. In the present experiments we examined whether and in what mechanisms TGF-beta-secreting CD4+ T cells in the MLNs regulate Th cell-mediated skin inflammation using a previously established murine model. Th1 or Th2 cells injected s.c. into ear lobes of naive mice induced swelling, whereas the concomitant local injection of MLN cells suppressed the inflammation. The suppressor activities of MLN cells were markedly neutralized by anti-TGF-beta mAb and were mimicked by rTGF-beta. The MLN cell- and rTGF-beta-induced inhibition was reversed by anti-IL-10 mAb significantly in Th1-induced inflammation and only partially in Th2-induced inflammation. rIL-10 reduced Th-induced ear swelling, although higher doses of rIL-10 were required in Th2-induced one. Thus, allergen-specific TGF-beta-producing CD4+ T cells induced in the respiratory tract controlled cutaneous inflammatory responses by Th1 or Th2 cells either directly by TGF-beta or indirectly through IL-10 induction. From a clinical standpoint, these observations might explain the mechanism of spontaneous regression in some patients with atopic dermatitis, which exhibits both Th1- and Th2-mediated skin inflammation in response to airborne protein Ags.

Topics: Animals; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Cells, Cultured; Dermatitis; Dermatitis, Atopic; Immune Tolerance; Interleukin-10; Lymph Nodes; Male; Mediastinum; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Ovalbumin; Th1 Cells; Th2 Cells; Trachea; Transforming Growth Factor beta

Monocytes and T helper cells play major roles in the immunologic dysfunction of atopic dermatitis (AD). There have been many studies on the cytokine pattern to evaluate abnormalities of immune cells in AD, but the results were conflicting and most of these previous reports were performed with various mitogen-stimulation.. The purpose was to investigate de novo cytokine pattern in AD peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). We focused on the expression of cytokines that have effects on monocytes and T cells.. We measured mRNA expression of IL-10, GM-CSF, TGF-beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 in freshly isolated PBMC with semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The intensity of cytokine cDNA were normalized to that of beta-actin product as a standard marker.. Interleukin-10 mRNA expression was significantly enhanced in AD compared with control subjects (P < .05). Spontaneous mRNA expression of TGF-beta and TNF-alpha was significantly lower in AD patients (P < .01). The level of GM-CSF mRNA expression was heterogenous and spontaneous mRNA expression was slightly increased in AD although the difference didn't reach the statistical significance. Interleukin-6 mRNA was not detected in most of AD and controls.. Our data could represent in vivo cytokine expression state associated with monocytes and other immune cells. Increased expression of IL-10 and GM-CSF may be associated with monocyte dysfunction in AD although increase in the expression of GM-CSF mRNA was not statistically significant. Inhibitory effect of increased IL-10 was suggested on decreased expression of TNF-alpha mRNA. The role of TGF-beta in AD remains to be seen.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Dermatitis, Atopic; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor; Humans; Interleukin-10; Interleukin-6; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Topical administration of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) into the subcutaneous tissue or in the pulmonary alveoli of the rat induces a fibrotic reaction characterized by the presence of alpha-smooth muscle actin-rich myofibroblasts, suggesting that GM-CSF plays a role in the development of fibrotic changes. A high level of expression of GM-CSF also has been demonstrated in epidermal cells during human atopic dermatitis. It is accepted that transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) plays a key role in the modulation from fibroblast into myofibroblast, although it is not known how TGF-beta1 activity is stimulated. Up until now, no evidence of early GM-CSF expression during development of fibrosis has been reported. Herein we have studied, using RT-competitive PCR, the expression of GM-CSF mRNA during the early steps of pulmonary fibrosis development after intra-alveolar instillation of bleomycin, a well-established experimental model of this lesion. GM-CSF mRNA was already increased in the total lung at 6 hours and maximal at 12 hours after bleomycin instillation and returned to basal levels at 24 hours. This was followed by an increase of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta receptor type II (but not of types I and III) mRNAs. Analyses of macrophages and polymorphonuclear neutrophils isolated by bronchoalveolar lavage 12 hours after bleomycin instillation indicated that they were responsible, at least in part, for the accumulation of GM-CSF mRNA. Our results show for the first time that GM-CSF is expressed, very early and temporarily, by inflammatory cells accumulating in the alveolus after bleomycin administration and before the appearance of TGF-beta1. Moreover, we have shown that GM-CSF induces the expression of TGF-beta1 mRNA by alveolar macrophages. Our data support the possibility that GM-CSF participates in the initial steps of the chain of events leading to fibrosis, perhaps through a stimulation of TGF-beta1 production.

Topics: Actins; Animals; Bleomycin; Dermatitis, Atopic; Epidermis; Female; Gene Expression Regulation; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor; Humans; Instillation, Drug; Muscle, Smooth; Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases; Pulmonary Alveoli; Pulmonary Fibrosis; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Receptor, Transforming Growth Factor-beta Type II; Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Transcription, Genetic; Transforming Growth Factor beta

Atopic dermatitis is a lymphocyte-mediated skin disease. We studied the expression of the adhesion molecule alpha6 integrin by immunohistochemistry in spontaneous atopic inflammation as well as during the eliciting phase of atopen (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus), antigen (nickel sulfate) and irritative (anthralin) induced patch test reactions in atopic skin. Results were compared with nickel sulfate patch test reactions in normal skin. A role of the alpha6 integrin, expressed at the luminal side of blood vessels, for T cell migration in lesional atopic skin was supposed. In normal human skin the alpha6 integrin was weakly expressed by blood vessels and by basal epithelial cells of the epidermis. In acute and chronic lesional skin of patients with atopic dermatitis dramatic upregulation of alpha6 integrin expression was observed on endothelial cells and in the epidermis. The similar pattern of upregulated suprabasal alpha6 integrin expression was established in the patch test reactions 48 h after atopen and antigen application or irritation of the skin without differences in dependence on the eliciting substance. No difference of alpha6 integrin expression was seen between atopic and normal skin. Tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1, interleukin-4 and interferon gamma play a role in atopic inflammation. Tumor growth factor beta and interleukin-6 are mitogenic/growth factors for keratinocytes. For this reason the effect of these cytokines and of phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate on the expression level of alpha6 integrin was tested in short-term skin organ culture of normal and atopic skin as well as in keratinocyte cultures. In these assays no cytokines had an effect on alpha6 integrin expression suggesting another mechanism which regulates this integrin. However, the increased expression of alpha6 integrin in the suprabasal epidermis is associated with a T cell influx into the epidermis. We speculate that the alpha6 integrin expression may lead to an epidermotropism of T cells during inflammation.

Topics: Anthralin; Antigens, CD; Antigens, Dermatophagoides; Blood Vessels; CD3 Complex; Cell Movement; Cells, Cultured; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Endothelium; Epidermis; Epithelium; Glycoproteins; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Integrin alpha6; Interleukin-6; Keratinocytes; Nickel; Organ Culture Techniques; Patch Tests; Skin; T-Lymphocytes; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Up-Regulation

TGF-beta 1 has many biological activities in various cell types and is regarded as a multifunctioning regulator of cell growth. We studied the effect of TGF-beta 1 on cytokine-enhanced eosinophil survival in vitro. Eosinophils were purified from patients with mild atopic dermatitis by Percoll density gradient centrifugation and the CD16 negative selection/immunomagnetic beads technique. Eosinophil purity was greater than 95%. The purified eosinophils were incubated in the presence of eosinophil-activating cytokines (IL-5, IL-3, GM-CSF, IFN-gamma) with and without TGF-beta 1 for 3 days. Eosinophil viability was determined by staining the cells with fluorescein diacetate and propidium iodide. Without cytokine, most eosinophils died by day 3 in culture, but human recombinant IL-5, IL-3, GM-CSF, and IFN-gamma enhanced eosinophil survival in a dose-dependent manner. To test the effect of TGF-beta 1 on enhanced eosinophil survival, eosinophils were cultured with activating cytokine and TGF-beta 1. TGF-beta 1 inhibited eosinophil survival in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effects of TGF-beta 1 on IL-5 enhanced survival was partially reversed by high concentrations of IL-5 and was completely neutralized with anti-TGF-beta antibody. Moreover, the apoptosis of eosinophils induced by TGF-beta 1 was determined with the assay of DNA fragmentation on agarose gel electrophoresis. It is possible that TGF-beta 1 activates the pathway of apoptosis. The results suggest that TGF-beta 1 may play a crucial role in the regulation of allergic inflammation.

Topics: Apoptosis; Cell Survival; Cells, Cultured; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Eosinophils; Humans; Transforming Growth Factor beta