title: CD8+ T cells are effector cells of contact dermatitis to common skin allergens in mice.
abstract: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to strong experimental haptens is mediated by specific CD8+ T cells. Here, we show that similar mechanisms occur for weak haptens, which comprise the vast majority of chemicals responsible for human ACD. We used a model of ACD, that is, the contact hypersensitivity reaction, to test for the allergenicity of three weak haptens involved in fragrance allergy. ACD to weak haptens could not be induced in normal mice. In contrast, mice acutely depleted in CD4+ T cells developed a typical ACD reaction to the three weak fragrance allergens that peaked 24 hours after challenge. Priming of CD8+ T cells was observed in draining lymph nodes 5 days after sensitization and development of ACD was associated with the infiltration of activated CD8+ T cells in the challenged skin. CD8+ T cells were effectors of the ACD reaction as in vivo treatment with depleting anti-CD8 mAbs abrogated the ACD responses and as purified CD8+ T cells could adoptively transfer ACD to naive recipients. In conclusion, our data demonstrate a dominant role of CD8+ T cells as initiators of ACD to weak haptens, and suggest that CD8+ T cells may represent potential targets for preventing or treating ACD.
authors.affiliation: IFR 128 BioSciences Lyon-Gerland, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U503, Lyon Cedex, France.
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vocanson
authors.forename: Anca
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hennino
authors.forename: Magalie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cluzel-Tailhardat
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Saint-Mezard
authors.forename: Josette
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Benetiere
authors.forename: Cyril
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chavagnac
authors.forename: Frederic
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Berard
authors.forename: Dominique
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kaiserlian
authors.forename: Jean-François
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Nicolas
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens / Q000633:toxicity*; D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000494:pharmacology; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D006241:Haptens / Q000633:toxicity*; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D008212:Lymphocyte Depletion; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D006241:Haptens