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IL-31 expression by inflammatory cells is preferentially elevated in atopic dermatitis.
Stephan Nobbe1, Piotr Dziunycz, Beda Mühleisen
1Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zürich, Switzerland.
Acta Dermato-Venereologica
|November 2, 2011
Summary
Interleukin-31 (IL-31) protein is elevated in atopic dermatitis skin, confirming its role in this condition. However, IL-31 and its receptor are not generally linked to other itchy or Th2-driven skin diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Interleukin-31 (IL-31) is a cytokine primarily produced by activated CD4+ T cells.
- IL-31 functions via a receptor complex including IL-31 receptor alpha (IL-31RA) and oncostatin M receptor beta (OSMR).
- Previous research indicated IL-31 pathway involvement in atopic dermatitis (AD) and pruritus at the mRNA level.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protein expression of IL-31, IL-31RA, and OSMR in skin biopsies from patients with atopic dermatitis and other pruritic skin conditions.
- To determine if IL-31 protein levels correlate with atopic dermatitis and other Th2-weighted inflammatory skin diseases.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical staining was employed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded skin biopsy specimens.
- Analysis focused on the protein expression of IL-31, IL-31RA, and OSMR.
Main Results:
- IL-31 protein expression was significantly increased in the inflammatory infiltrates of atopic dermatitis skin biopsies compared to controls.
- No significant increase in IL-31, IL-31RA, or OSMR protein immunoreactivity was observed in biopsies from patients with other Th2-weighted and pruritic skin diseases.
- These findings confirm the association of IL-31 with atopic dermatitis at the protein level.
Conclusions:
- The study validates the role of IL-31 in atopic dermatitis pathogenesis through protein expression analysis.
- The results do not support a generalized role for IL-31 and its receptor (IL-31/IL-31R) in pruritic or Th2-mediated skin diseases beyond atopic dermatitis.
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