Skin-infiltrating CD8+ T cells initiate atopic dermatitis lesions.
Skin lesions in the allergic form of atopic dermatitis (AD) are induced by allergen-specific T cells that infiltrate the skin at the site of allergen exposure. Although Th2-type CD4+ T cells appear to be crucial in AD pathophysiology, little is known about the contribution of CD8+ T cells in the development of the allergic skin inflammation. In the present study, we have analyzed the respective role of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells in the development of AD skin lesions in a mouse model of allergen-induced AD. In sensitized mice, CD8+ T cells are rapidly and transiently recruited to the allergen-exposed site and initiate the inflammatory process leading to skin infiltration with eosinophils and Th1/Th2-producing cells. CD8+ T cell-depleted mice show no inflammation, demonstrating that these cells are mandatory for the development of AD. In contrast, CD4+ T cell-depleted mice develop a severe form of eczema. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of CD8+ T cells from sensitized mice into naive recipient mice leads to skin inflammation soon after allergen exposure. These data indicate that allergen-primed CD8+ T cells are required for the development of AD-like lesions in mice.
Hennino
Ana
A
Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 503, L'Institut Fédératif de Recherche 128, BioSciences Lyon-Gerland, 21 avenue Tony Garnier, 69375 Lyon, France.
Vocanson
Marc
M
Toussaint
Yann
Y
Rodet
Karen
K
Benetière
Josette
J
Schmitt
Anne-Marie
AM
Aries
Marie-Françoise
MF
Bérard
Frédéric
F
Rozières
Aurore
A
Nicolas
Jean-François
JF
D019264:Adoptive Transfer; D000818:Animals; D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides / Q000276:immunology; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000637:transplantation; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000637:transplantation; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004485:Eczema / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D008212:Lymphocyte Depletion; D051379:Mice; D008817:Mice, Mutant Strains; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology
D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II