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Transforming growth factor-beta1 suppresses atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice
K Sumiyoshi1, A Nakao, H Ushio
1Atopy (Allergy) Research Center Department of Dermatology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan.
Background:
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory disorder characterized by pruritic and eczematous skin lesions. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 has been implicated in the suppression of inflammatory responses.
Objective:
The purpose of this study is to determine whether TGF-beta1 suppresses skin lesions in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis.
Methods:
We used the NC/Nga strain of mice as an in vivo model of atopic dermatitis. The effects of exogenous TGF-beta1 on atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice were evaluated clinically, histologically and immunologically.
Results:
Subcutaneous injection of recombinant TGF-beta1 macroscopically suppressed eczematous skin lesions in NC/Nga mice associated with reduced serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. Histological analysis showed that TGF-beta1 significantly inhibited the infiltration of inflammatory cells such as mast cells and eosinophils into the skin of NC/Nga mice. Spontaneous interferon (IFN)-gamma production from splenocytes of NC/Nga mice was down-regulated by the treatment with TGF-beta1 and neutralizing antibody against IFN-gamma inhibited skin lesions in NC/Nga mice. The inhibitory effect of TGF-beta1 on the skin lesions lasted at least 1 week after cessation of the treatment.
Conclusion:
These findings indicate that TGF-beta1 suppressed atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice at least in part through down-regulation of IFN-gamma. These results suggest that TGF-beta1 may have a therapeutic potential for atopic dermatitis.