Foxp3+ cells control Th2 responses in a murine model of atopic dermatitis

J Invest Dermatol. 2012 Jun;132(6):1672-80. doi: 10.1038/jid.2012.40. Epub 2012 Mar 8.

Abstract

The role of Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells in atopic dermatitis (AD) is still unclear. In a murine AD model, the number of Foxp3+ cells increased in the allergen-exposed skin area and in the secondary lymphoid organs. Both Foxp3+ and Foxp3- IL-10+ T cells accumulated at the site of allergen exposure, and CD103+ effector/memory Foxp3+ Treg cells expanded gradually in the lymph nodes throughout the sensitization protocol. The depletion of Foxp3+ Treg cells led to significantly exacerbated skin inflammation, including increased recruitment of inflammatory cells and expression of T helper type 2 cytokines, as well as elevated serum IgE levels. The effect of depleting Treg cells during epicutaneous sensitization was mirrored off by a stronger inflammatory response also in the lungs following airway challenge. Thus, Treg cells have an important role in controlling AD-like inflammation and the transfer of allergic skin inflammation to the lungs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Movement / immunology
  • Dendritic Cells / cytology
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / immunology*
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / pathology
  • Diphtheria Toxin / immunology
  • Diphtheria Toxin / pharmacology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / immunology*
  • Lung / immunology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Ovalbumin / immunology
  • Pneumonia / immunology
  • Pneumonia / pathology
  • Skin / immunology
  • Skin / pathology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology
  • Th2 Cells / cytology
  • Th2 Cells / immunology*

Substances

  • Diphtheria Toxin
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Foxp3 protein, mouse
  • Ovalbumin