Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins modulate IL-22-secreting cells in adults with atopic dermatitis

Sci Rep. 2018 Apr 27;8(1):6665. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-25125-0.

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory immune-mediated skin disease characterized by skin colonization by Staphylococcus aureus. Interleukin (IL)-22, in cooperation with IL-17, triggers antimicrobial peptide elaboration and enhances certain immunological responses. In AD, IL-22 is related to epidermal hyperplasia, keratinocyte apoptosis, and inhibition of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) production. We aimed to evaluate the impact of staphylococcal enterotoxins on the Tc22/Th22 induction in the peripheral blood of AD patients and on CD4+/CD8+ T cells expressing IL-22 in AD skin. Our study showed inhibition of the staphylococcal enterotoxins A and B (SEA and SEB) response by Th22 (CD4+IL-22+IL-17A-IFN-γ-) cells in AD patients. In contrast, Tc22 (CD8+IL-22+IL-17A-IFN-γ-) cells were less susceptible to the inhibitory effects of staphylococcal enterotoxins and exhibited an enhanced response to the bacterial stimuli. In AD skin, we detected increased IL-22 transcript expression and T lymphocytes expressing IL-22. Together, our results provide two major findings in response to staphylococcal enterotoxins in adults with AD: dysfunctional CD4+ IL-22 secreting T cells and increased Tc22 cells. Our hypothesis reinforces the relevance of CD8 T cells modulated by staphylococcal enterotoxins as a potential source of IL-22 in adults with AD, which is relevant for the maintenance of immunological imbalance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / pathology*
  • Enterotoxins / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / metabolism*
  • Interleukin-22
  • Interleukins / blood*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Staphylococcal Skin Infections / complications*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Enterotoxins
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Interleukins