Interleukin-15 expression in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome).
BACKGROUND
Cytokines are of potential importance in the pathogenesis of cutaneous T-cell mediated disorders, including cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL).


OBJECTIVE
To compare interleukin (IL)-15 expression in certain inflammatory cutaneous diseases, with that in CTCL (mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome).


METHODS
IL-15 mRNA and protein expression were examined by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, respectively, on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded biopsies of normal human skin, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, parapsoriasis and CTCL.


RESULTS
Despite similar expression of IL-15 mRNA, we found differences in IL-15 protein expression between normal human skin, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis on the one hand, and parapsoriasis and CTCL on the other. IL-15 protein expression was not detected in normal human skin, atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, but was detected, mainly at low levels but in a few patients at higher levels, in epidermal keratinocytes in parapsoriasis, mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome.


CONCLUSIONS
Induction of keratinocyte IL-15 expression appears to be a feature of CTCL. The factors stimulating such an expression remain unknown.
Leroy
S
S
INSERM U463, Nantes, France.
Dubois
S
S
Tenaud
I
I
Chebassier
N
N
Godard
A
A
Jacques
Y
Y
Dréno
B
B
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019409:Interleukin-15 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D009182:Mycosis Fungoides / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D010267:Parapsoriasis / Q000276:immunology; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D012751:Sezary Syndrome / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D019409:Interleukin-15; D012333:RNA, Messenger