Semaphorin3A alleviates skin lesions and scratching behavior in NC/Nga mice, an atopic dermatitis model

J Invest Dermatol. 2008 Dec;128(12):2842-9. doi: 10.1038/jid.2008.150. Epub 2008 Jul 10.

Abstract

Topical steroids and antihistamines are commonly used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). However, in a substantial number of patients with AD, these treatments are not sufficiently effective. In AD patients, C-fibers in the epidermis increase and sprout, inducing hypersensitivity, which is considered to aggravate the disease. Semaphorin3A (Sema3A), an axon guidance molecule, is a potent inhibitor of neurite outgrowth of sensory neurons. To investigate the effect of Sema3A on AD, we administered recombinant Sema3A intracutaneously into the skin lesions of NC/Nga mice, an animal model of AD. Sema3A dose-dependently improved skin lesions and attenuated the scratching behavior in NC/Nga mice. Histological examinations revealed a decrease in: (a) epidermal thickness; (b) the density of invasive nerve fibers in the epidermis; (c) inflammatory infiltrates, including mast cells and CD4+ T cells; and (d) the production of IL-4 in the Sema3A-treated lesions. Because the interruption of the itch-scratch cycle likely contributes to the improvement of the AD-like skin lesions, Sema3A is promising in the treatment of patients with refractory AD, as well as overall itching dermatosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Axons / metabolism
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / genetics*
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / metabolism*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Epidermis / metabolism
  • Inflammation
  • Interleukin-4 / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Models, Biological
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Neuropilin-1 / metabolism
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Semaphorin-3A / metabolism
  • Semaphorin-3A / physiology*

Substances

  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Semaphorin-3A
  • Neuropilin-1
  • Interleukin-4