Role of regulatory T cells in psoriasis pathogenesis and treatment.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease with a strong genetic component that can be triggered by environmental factors. Disease pathogenesis is mainly driven by type 1 and type 17 cytokine-producing cells which, in healthy individuals, are modulated by regulatory T cells (Tregs). Tregs play a fundamental role in immune homeostasis and contribute to the prevention of autoimmune disease by suppressing immune responses. In psoriasis, Tregs are impaired in their suppressive function leading to an altered T-helper 17/Treg balance. Although Treg dysfunction in patients with psoriasis is associated with disease exacerbation, it is unknown how they are functionally regulated. In this review, we discuss recent insights into Tregs in the setting of psoriasis with an emphasis on the effect of current treatments on Tregs and how already available therapeutics that modulate Treg frequency or functionality could be exploited for treatment of psoriasis.

Emerging roles of innate lymphoid cells in inflammatory diseases: Clinical implications.

Innate lymphoid cells (ILC) represent a group of lymphocytes that lack specific antigen receptors and are relatively rare as compared to adaptive lymphocytes. ILCs play important roles in allergic and nonallergic inflammatory diseases due to their location at barrier surfaces within the airways, gut, and skin, and they respond to cytokines produced by activated cells in their local environment. Innate lymphoid cells contribute to the immune response by the release of cytokines and other mediators, forming a link between innate and adaptive immunity. In recent years, these cells have been extensively characterized and their role in animal models of disease has been investigated. Data to translate the relevance of ILCs in human pathology, and the potential role of ILCs in diagnosis, as biomarkers and/or as future treatment targets are also emerging. This review, produced by a task force of the Immunology Section of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), encompassing clinicians and researchers, highlights the role of ILCs in human allergic and nonallergic diseases in the airways, gastrointestinal tract, and skin, with a focus on new insights into clinical implications, therapeutic options, and future research opportunities.

Expansion of highly activated invariant natural killer T cells with altered phenotype in acute dengue infection.

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are capable of rapid activation and production of cytokines upon recognition of antigenic lipids presented by CD1d molecules. They have been shown to play a significant role in many viral infections and were observed to be highly activated in patients with acute dengue infection. In order to characterize further their role in dengue infection, we investigated the proportion of iNKT cells and their phenotype in adult patients with acute dengue infection. The functionality of iNKT cells in patients was investigated by both interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-4 ex-vivo enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assays following stimulation with alpha-galactosyl-ceramide (αGalCer). We found that circulating iNKT cell proportions were significantly higher (P = 0·03) in patients with acute dengue when compared to healthy individuals and were predominantly of the CD4(+) subset. iNKT cells of patients with acute dengue had reduced proportions expressing CD8α and CD161 when compared to healthy individuals. The iNKT cells of patients were highly activated and iNKT activation correlated significantly with dengue virus-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibody levels. iNKT cells expressing Bcl-6 (P = 0·0003) and both Bcl-6 and inducible T cell co-stimulator (ICOS) (P = 0·006) were increased significantly in patients when compared to healthy individuals. Therefore, our data suggest that in acute dengue infection there is an expansion of highly activated CD4(+) iNKT cells, with reduced expression of CD161 markers.

Dengue NS1 antigen contributes to disease severity by inducing interleukin (IL)-10 by monocytes.

Both dengue NS1 antigen and serum interleukin (IL)-10 levels have been shown to associate with severe clinical disease in acute dengue infection, and IL-10 has also been shown to suppress dengue-specific T cell responses. Therefore, we proceeded to investigate the mechanisms by which dengue NS1 contributes to disease pathogenesis and if it is associated with altered IL-10 production. Serum IL-10 and dengue NS1 antigen levels were assessed serially in 36 adult Sri Lankan individuals with acute dengue infection. We found that the serum IL-10 levels correlated positively with dengue NS1 antigen levels (Spearman's r = 0·47, P < 0·0001), and NS1 also correlated with annexin V expression by T cells in acute dengue (Spearman's r = 0·63, P = 0·001). However, NS1 levels did not associate with the functionality of T cell responses or with expression of co-stimulatory molecules. Therefore, we further assessed the effect of dengue NS1 on monocytes and T cells by co-culturing primary monocytes and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), with varying concentrations of NS1 for up to 96 h. Monocytes co-cultured with NS1 produced high levels of IL-10, with the highest levels seen at 24 h, and then declined gradually. Therefore, our data show that dengue NS1 appears to contribute to pathogenesis of dengue infection by inducing IL-10 production by monocytes.

Histamine exerts multiple effects on expression of genes associated with epidermal barrier function.

BACKGROUND: The role of epidermal barrier genes in the pathogenesis of atopic skin inflammation has recently been highlighted. Cytokines that are abundant in the skin during inflammation have been shown to exert various effects on the expression of barrier genes, although the role of histamine in this area of skin biology is not yet fully understood. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of stimulation with histamine on keratinocytes by analysis of the pathways involved in epidermal barrier integrity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a gene expression analysis of histamine-stimulated keratinocytes. Functional changes were tested using the dye penetration assay. Differential changes in filaggrin and the filaggrin-processing enzyme bleomycin hydrolase (BLMH) were validated at the protein level, and expression was also assessed in filaggrin knock-down keratinocytes. RESULTS: Histamine altered expression of multiple barrier genes. Expression of filaggrin was downregulated, as was that of other markers, thus suggesting the presence of delayed/aberrant keratinocyte differentiation. Expression of genes involved in cellular adhesiveness and genes of protease expression was dysregulated, but expression of protease inhibitors was increased. BLMH was upregulated in keratinocytes subjected to histamine and filaggrin knockdown. CONCLUSIONS: Histamine exerts a dual effect on epidermal barrier genes; it suppresses keratinocyte differentiation and dysregulates genes of cellular adhesiveness, although it induces genes contributing to stratum corneum function. Upregulation of BLMH and protease inhibitors could support maintenance of the permeability barrier by enhanced generation of moisturizing compounds and suppressed desquamation. In contrast, in the case of stratum corneum damage, histamine could enhance transcutaneous sensitization.

The histamine-synthesizing enzyme histidine decarboxylase is upregulated by keratinocytes in atopic skin.

BACKGROUND: Histamine is an abundant mediator accumulating in the skin of atopic patients, where it is thought to be derived from immune cells. While keratinocytes express histidine decarboxylase (HDC), levels of the enzyme in normal or diseased epidermis and factors that influence its expression in human keratinocytes are not known. OBJECTIVES: To assess levels of HDC in inflammatory skin diseases and factors influencing its expression. METHODS: Normal and filaggrin-insufficient human keratinocytes, organotypic epidermal models and skin samples were investigated for the expression of HDC. The effect of cytokines, bacterial and allergen stimuli exposure and functional changes in differentiation were evaluated in vitro. RESULTS: We detected abundant expression of the HDC protein in all models studied; expression was increased in atopic skin samples. Filaggrin-insufficient keratinocytes maintained HDC levels, but exposure of keratinocytes to thymic stromal lymphopoietin, tumour necrosis factor-α, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and house dust mite (HDM) extract increased HDC expression in vitro. Furthermore, filaggrin expression in cultured keratinocytes increased following histamine depletion. CONCLUSIONS: Keratinocytes express abundant HDC protein, and the levels increase in atopic skin. LPS, HDM and cytokines, which are implicated in allergic inflammation, promote the expression of the enzyme and upregulate histamine levels in keratinocytes. Actively produced histamine influences keratinocyte differentiation, suggesting functional relevance of the axis to atopic dermatitis. The findings therefore identify a new point of therapeutic intervention.

Histamine enhances keratinocyte-mediated resolution of inflammation by promoting wound healing and response to infection.

BACKGROUND: The role of the epidermis in the immune response is well known. While multiple cytokines are implicated in keratinocyte-mediated infection clearance and wound healing, little is known about the involvement of keratinocytes in promoting resolution of inflammation. AIM: To assess effects of histamine stimulation on keratinocyte function. METHODS: We performed a combined microarray/Gene Ontology analysis of histamine-stimulated keratinocytes. Functional changes were tested by apoptosis assessment and scratch assays. Histamine receptor involvement was also assessed by blocking wound closure with specific antagonists. RESULTS: Histamine treatment had extensive effects on keratinocytes, including effects on proinflammatory responses and cellular functions promoting wound healing. At the functional level, there was reduced apoptosis and enhancement of wound healing in vitro. At the receptor level, we identified involvement of all keratinocyte-expressed histamine receptors (HRHs), with HRH1 blockage resulting in the most prominent effect. CONCLUSIONS: Histamine activates wound healing and infection clearance-related functions of keratinocytes. While enhancement of histamine-mediated wound healing is mediated predominantly via the HRH1 receptor, other keratinocyte-expressed receptors are also involved. These effects could promote resolution of skin inflammation caused by infection or superficial injury.

Cytokine regulation of the epidermal barrier.

Studies published in recent years have highlighted the role of epidermal barrier defects in both atopic skin disease and the development of broader allergic manifestations. While genetic determinants of barrier function are important, it is clear that local acquired effects are also involved in disease pathogenesis. In this review, we aimed to summarize the known influences of cytokines abundantly expressed during atopic skin disease on components of epidermal barrier integrity and function.

Human antimicrobial peptides LL-37 and human ß-defensin-2 reduce viral replication in keratinocytes infected with varicella zoster virus.

BACKGROUND: There is mounting evidence that antimicrobial peptides have an important role in cutaneous defence, but the expression of these antimicrobial peptides in atopic eczema (AE) is still unclear. There are several families of antimicrobial peptides, including cathelicidins and human ß-defensins. Patients with AE are more susceptible to severe cutaneous viral infections, including varicella zoster virus (VZV). AIM: To characterize the functional activity of the antimicrobial peptides LL-37 (human cathelicidin) and human ß-defensin (hBD)-2 keratinocytes were infected with VZV, in a skin-infection model. METHODS: Flow-cytometry analysis was used to investigate LL-37 expression in normal human keratinocytes, and quantitative PCR was used to determine viral loads in infected HaCaT keratinocytes and B cells, with and without exogenous LL-37 and hBD-2. RESULTS: LL-37 expression was present in keratinocytes, and both exogenous LL-37 and hBD-2 significantly reduced VZV load in infected keratinocytes and B cells. Specific antibodies blocked the antiviral action exhibited by these antimicrobial peptides. Pre-incubation of VZV with LL-37, but not hBD-2, further reduced VZV load. CONCLUSIONS: Both LL-37 and hBD-2 have an antiviral effect on VZV replication in the keratinocyte HaCaT cell line and in B cells, but their mechanism of action is different. Evidence of the relationship between antimicrobial peptide expression and higher susceptibility to infections in AE skin is still emerging. Developing novel antiviral therapies based on antimicrobial peptides may provide improved treatment options for patients with AE.

Identification of an immunodominant region of the major house dust mite allergen Der p 2 presented by common human leucocyte antigen alleles.

BACKGROUND: Better understanding of the relevance of the immune response to common environmental allergens, such as the major house dust mite (HDM) allergen Der p 2, requires characterization of constituent T-cell epitopes. AIM: To identify CD4(+) T-cell epitopes within Der p 2 recognized by commonly expressed human leucocyte antigen (HLA) alleles. METHODS: HLA-blocking antibodies, peptide pools and truncations were used in ELISpot assays to establish restricted T-cell epitopes. RESULTS: People with and without atopic dermatitis have detectable Der p 2-specific T cells in the peripheral blood, which can proliferate in response to Der p 2 peptides. Interleukin-4-specific responses, both ex vivo and cultured to Der p 2 peptides, had a significant positive correlation with HDM-specific serum IgE. Within one pool of Der p 2 peptides, the 20mer D11 was found to induce multiple responses restricted through several alleles, including HLA-DPB1*0401 and HLA-DRB1*01. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified an immunogenic region of Der p 2 presented by common HLA class II alleles, including the most commonly expressed HLA allele DPB1*0401. Identification of such epitopes may be of future value in peptide immunotherapeutic approaches.

Phenotypic analysis of perennial airborne allergen-specific CD4+ T cells in atopic and non-atopic individuals.

BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence suggests that T cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD); yet, little is known of the differentiation status of CD4+ T cells specific for common environmental allergens, such as the major cat allergen, Fel d 1. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency, differentiation phenotype and function of circulating Fel d 1-specific CD4+ T cells in adult individuals with severe persistent AD in comparison with healthy controls. METHODS: Using HLA class II tetrameric complexes based on a HLA-DPB1*0401-restricted Fel d 1 epitope, ex vivo and cultured T cell frequency and phenotype were analysed in individuals with AD and healthy controls. Cytokine secretion was measured by ex vivo and cultured IL-4 and IFN-γ ELISpots. RESULTS: Ex vivo Fel d 1-specific DPB1*0401-restricted CD4+ T cells in both atopics and non-atopics express high levels of CCR7, CD62L, CD27 and CD28, placing the cells largely within the central memory subgroup. However, the functional phenotype was distinct, with greater IL-4 production from the cells derived from atopics, which correlated with disease severity. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Circulating Fel d 1-specific DPB1*0401-restricted CD4+ T cells in both atopic and non-atopic donors maintain a central memory phenotype; however in atopics, the cells had greater Th2 effector function, compatible with a disease model of altered antigen delivery in atopic individuals.

Interleukin-22 downregulates filaggrin expression and affects expression of profilaggrin processing enzymes.

BACKGROUND: The identification of filaggrin mutations has contributed towards our understanding of hereditary factors associated with epidermal dysfunction observed in individuals with atopic eczema (AE). However, factors that predispose to acquired filaggrin modulation are not well understood. Interleukin (IL)-22 is upregulated in lesional AE tissue, but its effects on filaggrin expression and genes associated with epidermal function have not yet been comprehensively addressed. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of IL-22 on expression of filaggrin and genes encoding proteins relevant to epidermal function. METHODS: Microarray analysis was performed on IL-22-stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes. Filaggrin protein level was assessed by an intracellular enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot in HaCaT cells and the findings were validated in primary keratinocytes. RESULTS: Exposure to IL-22 cytokine resulted in a downregulation of profilaggrin mRNA expression in HaCaT keratinocytes. The expression of genes involved in enzymatic processing of profilaggrin as well as the generation of natural moisturizing factor was also altered. Furthermore, there was an upregulation of many transcripts encoding proteins of the S100 family. Profilaggrin/filaggrin downregulation was detected by intracellular ELISA and Western blot in HaCaT cells. The relevance to the primary setting was confirmed in primary keratinocytes by Western blot. CONCLUSIONS: IL-22 downregulates profilaggrin/filaggrin expression in keratinocytes at both mRNA and protein levels and affects genes relevant to epidermal function. This novel pathway may have relevance to the pathogenesis and treatment of atopic and other skin disease.

Characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus colonization in patients with atopic dermatitis in Sri Lanka.

BACKGROUND: Colonization of the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) by Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is associated with more severe disease. AIM: To determine the association of SA colonization patterns and densities in lesional and nonlesional skin in patients with varying severities of AD, and to determine the antibiotic sensitivity patterns of SA isolates from Sri Lanka. METHODS: Skin and nasal swabs collected from 100 patients with AD and 120 controls were used to investigate the presence of SA. Severity of AD was graded using the Nottingham Eczema Severity Score. Colony counts were obtained for skin samples, and antibiotic sensitivity testing was performed in cases positive for SA. RESULTS: Skin colonization was seen in 57 patients (57%) but in only 10 controls (8%). Lesional skin of most patients (52/57; 91%) had SA densities of > 300 colony-forming units/cm(2) . Colonization rates with SA significantly increased with increasing age (Spearman correlation coefficient R = 0.9, P < 0.05) and increasing duration of lesions in patients with AD (Spearman R = 0.87, P < 0.05). Isolates from eight patients (13.5%) were found to be methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Only 6 isolates (10%) were susceptible to penicillin and 22 (37%) to erythromycin, while 28 (47%) isolates had erythromycin-induced resistance to clindamycin. CONCLUSIONS: SA colonization rates were significantly associated with increasing age and severity of AD, and particularly with duration of lesions. Patients with severe disease were also more likely to be colonized with SA strains resistant to conventional antibiotics.

Common filaggrin null alleles are not associated with hymenoptera venom allergy in Europeans.

The association of filaggrin mutations with atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis, AD) is well established and it is thought that filaggrin dysfunction impairs the skin's barrier function allowing allergen penetration and subsequent cutaneous sensitisation and inflammation. However, as most forms of barrier dysfunction are not associated with allergic sensitisation to common allergens, the possibility that filaggrin itself is involved in Th1/Th2 polarisation remains. We tested the hypothesis that allergen delivered to the skin independently of the stratum corneum is not associated with filaggrin mutations. Wasp stings bypass the stratum corneum and deliver antigen to the dermis. We found that European individuals with AD (n = 32) have an increased frequency of the 2 commonest filaggrin null mutations (R501X and 2282del4) compared to those with vespid allergy (n = 56) and healthy controls (n = 30). Thus, filaggrin does not appear to have a downstream effect on the development of allergic disease, and it is indeed filaggrin's role in the epithelial function that is likely to determine the link between filaggrin mutations and allergic sensitisation.

IE63-specific T-cell responses associate with control of subclinical varicella zoster virus reactivation in individuals with malignancies.

BACKGROUND: Reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV) is more common in patients with malignancies; however, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this susceptibility are unclear. METHODS: Using ex vivo interferon-gamma ELISpot assays, we set out to analyse VZV-specific immune responses in a large cohort of patients with malignancies. RESULTS: We observed that patients with malignancies had impaired VZV-specific T-cell responses, particularly in those with haematological malignancies and breast carcinoma. Immediate-early protein 63 (IE63)-specific T-cell responses were significantly impaired in those with subclinical VZV re-activation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that T-cell responses to IE63 are important in controlling VZV replication.

Tracking epitope-specific antiviral CD4+ T cell responses to a live attenuated vaccine reveals ongoing functional responses.

There are few studies that have examined the frequencies of epitope-specific CD4(+) T cells following the use of a highly effective vaccine, yet such data would potentially be of value for the development of novel vaccination strategies. In this study we tracked human epitope-specific CD4(+) T cell responses over time after immunisation with a live attenuated varicella zoster virus vaccine by MHC Class II tetrameric complexes and functional assays. We show that the peptide-specific responses reflect those against whole virus antigens, and are similar in both frequency and phenotype to those found in healthy volunteers, despite a highly attenuated and clinically inapparent infection.

Immune evasion during varicella zoster virus infection of keratinocytes.

T cells are sensitized during varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection and are important for control of viral spread and reactivation. In this report, we show that human keratinocytes infected with VZV inhibited upregulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, MHC class II and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 after interferon (IFN)-gamma treatment. The ability of keratinocytes to upregulate MHC class I in response to IFN-alpha, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and Toll-like receptor (TLR)-3 ligand was also diminished upon VZV infection. VZV-infected keratinocytes treated with IFN-gamma had significantly reduced capacity to stimulate antigen-specific T cells compared with uninfected cells. Interference with IFN-alpha, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma and TLR-3 signalling in keratinocytes by VZV may contribute to immune evasion of the adaptive immune response.

Varicella zoster virus glycoprotein E-specific CD4+ T cells show evidence of recent activation and effector differentiation, consistent with frequent exposure to replicative cycle antigens in healthy immune donors.

Varicella zoster viru (VZV)-specific T cell responses are believed to be vital in recovery from primary VZV infection and also in the prevention of viral reactivation. While glycoprotein E (gE) is the most abundant and one of the most immunogenic proteins of the virus, there are no data addressing potential T cell epitopes within gE, nor the phenotype of specific T cells. Using interferon gamma enzyme-linked immunospot assays and intracellular cytokine assays, we identified gE-specific immune responses in 20 adult healthy immune donors which were found to be dominated by the CD4+ subset of T cells. We characterized three immune dominant epitopes within gE restricted through DRB1*1501, DRB1*07 and DRB4*01, and used DRB1*1501 class II tetrameric complexes to determine the ex vivo frequency and phenotype of specific T cells. In healthy immune donors, the cells were largely positive for CCR7, CD28 and CD27, but expressed variable CD62L and low levels of cutaneous lymphocyte associated antigen with evidence of recent activation. In summary, we show that circulating gE-specific CD4+ T cells are detected at a relatively high frequency in healthy immune donors and show evidence of recent activation and mixed central and effector memory phenotype. These data would be compatible with frequent exposure to replicative cycle antigens in healthy donors and are consistent with a role for gE-specific CD4+ T cells in the control of viral replication.

Anti-lymphocyte function associated antigen-1 inhibits T-helper 2 function of human allergen-specific CD4+ T cells.

BACKGROUND: Blockade of lymphocyte function associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) is proving successful in the management of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions including atopic dermatitis (AD), but the dependence of allergen-specific CD4+ T-cell function on LFA-1 has not been studied extensively. OBJECTIVES: We sought to investigate the potential ability of LFA-1 inhibition to influence keratinocyte presentation of allergen to specific T-helper (Th) 2 cell clones. METHODS: Using human leucocyte antigen class II tetrameric complexes, we generated Der p 1-specific DRB1*1501-restricted CD4+ T-cell lines (n=5) and clones (n=4) from the peripheral blood of five adults with AD. RESULTS: Using doses of anti-LFA-1 present in vivo, we observed significant inhibition (P<0.05) of allergen-specific CD4+ T-cell production of interleukin-4 with such inhibition occurring during presentation of allergen by keratinocytes. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that at doses present in vivo, LFA-1 blockade inhibits keratinocyte presentation to allergen-specific Th2 cells, suggesting one mechanism through which anti-LFA-1 may be beneficial therapeutically.

Identification of an immunodominant region of Fel d 1 and characterization of constituent epitopes.

BACKGROUND: Characterization of T cell epitopes restricted by common HLA alleles is a powerful tool in the understanding of the immune responses to allergens and for the identification of potential peptides for future peptide immunotherapy (PIT). One important requirement is the identification and use of peptides that will bind to HLA molecules covering a large proportion of the population. OBJECTIVE: To identify commonly recognized CD4(+) T cell epitopes in Fel d 1, restricted through frequently expressed HLA molecules for potential future use in PIT. METHODS: HLA matched antigen presenting cells, HLA blocking antibodies, and peptide truncations were used in ELISpot assays to establish HLA-restricted T cell epitopes. Cytokine responses were measured by ex vivo and cultured IFN-gamma, IL-4, and IL-10 ELISpots. RESULTS: Responses to an immunodominant region of chain 2 were identified in the majority of atopic individuals and epitopes restricted by HLA-DQB1(*)06 and -DPB1(*)0401 were characterized in detail. Significantly higher ex vivo IL-4 and lower IFN-gamma responses were observed to both epitopes in individuals with atopic dermatitis (AD) compared with those without disease. IL-10 responses were significantly lower in those with AD in the individuals with HLA-DPB1(*)0401. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified an immunodominant region of Fel d 1 which is frequently recognized by CD4(+) T cells from atopic individuals and contains epitopes that are restricted by very common HLA alleles.