Targeting keratinocyte apoptosis in the treatment of atopic dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis

JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY

卷:108

Article

Trautmann, A ; Akdis, M ; Schmid-Grendelmeier, P ; Disch, R ; Bröcker, EB ; Blaser, K ; Akdis, CA

关键词: apoptosis;    atopic dermatitis;    allergic contact dermatitis;    cyclosporine A;    dexamethasone;    intravenous immunoglobulin;    keratinocyte;    rapamycine;    tacrolimus/FK506;    T cell;   

DOI  :  10.1067/mai.2001.118796

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

Background: Activation and skin-selective homing of T cells and effector functions in the skin represent sequential events in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. Objective: T cell-mediated keratinocyte apoptosis plays a key pathogenetic role in the formation of eczematous dermatitis. IFN-gamma released from activated T cells upregulates Fas on keratinocytes, which renders them susceptible to apoptosis. The lethal hit is given to keratinocytes by means of Fas ligand expressed on the T-cell surface or released to the inflammatory microenvironment. We sought to investigate whether drugs used for the treatment of eczematous disorders interfere with this pathogenic pathway. Methods: T cell-mediated, Fas-induced keratinocyte apoptosis in a keratinocyte-T cell coculture system serves as an in vitro model of eczematous dermatitis. We tested, in this model, whether immunomodulatory agents (dexamethasone, cyclosporine A, rapamycine, tacrolimus/FK506, intravenous immunoglobulin [IVIG], and theophylline) are able to inhibit apoptosis of keratinocytes. Additionally, skin biopsy specimens from patients with untreated and successfully treated eczematous dermatitis were evaluated for keratinocyte apoptosis. Results: Dexamethasone, cyclosporine A, FK506, rapamycine, and IVIG are inhibitors of keratinocyte apoptosis induced by activated T cells. This effect is mediated by 2 major mechanisms directed on T cells or keratinocytes. T-cell activation was mainly inhibited by dexamethasone, FK506, cyclosporine A, and rapamycine. Interestingly, high-dose dexamethasone and IVIG directly inhibited Fas-mediated keratinocyte apoptosis. In vivo keratinocyte apoptosis was significantly reduced after successful topical treatment of eczematous lesions. Conclusion: These results demonstrate mechanisms of action of current treatment approaches and provide a future for more focused therapeutic applications.

【 授权许可】

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