The superantigen exfoliative toxin induces cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen expression in peripheral human T lymphocytes.
Several immune-mediated dermatoses including psoriasis and atopic dermatitis can be exacerbated by bacterial infections. Superantigen producing bacteria can be isolated from skin lesions of these dermatoses. Consistent with superantigen effects, skewed T cell receptor variable gene usage has been demonstrated within these lesions. Therefore, the question arises whether superantigen induce a skin-seeking phenotype within peripheral T cells. In this study, we investigated the in vitro influence of the V beta 2-selective superantigen exfoliative toxin from Staphylococcus aureus on the expression of the cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen on peripheral T lymphocytes of healthy donors. We demonstrate that exfoliative toxin dramatically upregulates cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen expression on T cell receptor V beta 2+ lymphocytes. Up to 69% of V beta 2+ lymphocytes expressed cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen after 5 days of in vitro culture. Additionally, exfoliative toxin also increased cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen expression in CD3+ T cell receptor V beta 2- lymphocytes indicating a different effect as caused by the superantigen-T cell receptor V beta 2 interaction. Our findings suggest influence of bacterial superantigens on T lymphocyte skin homing in vivo.
Zollner
T M
TM
Department of Dermatology, University of Frankfurt, Germany.
Munk
M E
ME
Keller
T
T
Nuber
V
V
Boehncke
W H
WH
Kaufmann
S H
SH
Duijvestijn
A M
AM
Sterry
W
W
Kaufmann
R
R
D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D005083:Exfoliatins / Q000276:immunology* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / Q000502:physiology; D018089:Superantigens / Q000276:immunology* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism*
D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; C063419:CTAGE1 protein, human; D005083:Exfoliatins; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta; D018089:Superantigens