T helper (Th)1, Th17 and Th2 imbalance in mesenchymal stem cells of adult patients with atopic dermatitis: at the origin of the problem. (27th April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Orciani, M.; Campanati, A.; Caffarini, M.; Ganzetti, G.; Consales, V.; Lucarini, G.; Offidani, A.; Di Primio, R.
• Is Part Of: British journal of dermatology. Volume 176:Number 6(2017)
• Page Start: 1569
• Page End: 1576
• Publication Date: 2017-04-27
• Subjects: Dermatology -- Periodicals; Skin -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.1111/bjd.15078
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-0963

Abstract

Summary: Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and inflammatory disease characterized by a marked imbalance of T helper (Th)2 vs. Th1/Th17 cells in the early phase of AD, whereas a mixed Th1/Th2 pattern of inflammation is usually found at the chronic stage. These features have not been extensively evaluated in undifferentiated skin cells of patients affected by AD. Objectives: To evaluate the relative expression of 22 genes encoding Th1, Th2 and Th17 cytokines and the secretion of the corresponding proteins in cutaneous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from skin of patients with AD (AD‐MSCs) and their role in AD onset. Methods: AD‐MSCs were isolated, characterized and profiled by polymerase chain reaction array and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for the relative expression and secretion of cytokines involved in the Th1, Th2 and Th17 pathways. MSCs isolated from the skin of healthy people were used as controls (C‐MSCs). Results: AD‐MSCs showed an upregulation of many Th1/Th17 cytokines [interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, IL‐12, IL‐13, IL‐17A, IL‐17F, transforming growth factor‐β, interferon‐γ], while Th2 chemokines (IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐23A) were downregulated in AD‐MSCs. Finally, some genes/proteins (CCL1, IL‐17C, tumour necrosis factor‐α) did not show variations between C‐MSCs and AD‐MSCs. Conclusions: The profile of MSCs obtained from patients with chronic AD retraces the Th1/Th17 cell environment observed in differentiated cells of chronic AD. This evidence could open a new scenario in the pathogenesis of AD, according to which the inflammatory process may involve MSCs early on. Abstract : What's already known about this topic? Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and inflammatory disease characterized by a marked imbalance of T helper (Th)2 vs. Th1/Th17 cells in the early phase of AD. A mixed Th1/Th2 pattern of inflammation is usually found at the chronic stage. What does this study add? The profile of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) obtained from patients with chronic AD retraces the Th1/Th17 cell environment observed in differentiated cells of chronic AD. This evidence could open a new scenario in the pathogenesis of AD, according to which the inflammatory process may involve MSCs early on. What is the translational message? Chronic AD is a skin disease whose aetiopathogenesis is still not completely understood. The results obtained in our study increase our knowledge of the pathogenesis of disease, by focusing particularly on the role of MSCs in disease development. The finding that MSCs are involved in the pathogenesis of chronic atopic eczema could open up an avenue for future integration between traditional medicine and regenerative science. Respond to this article Linked Comment:Balato and Caiazzo. Br J Dermatol 2017; 176:1437–1438