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Updated: Dec 17, 2025
Isolation and Culture of Primary Mouse Keratinocytes from Neonatal and Adult Mouse Skin
Published on: July 14, 2017
Antiviral and Immunomodulatory Properties of Antimicrobial Peptides Produced by Human Keratinocytes
Céline Chessa1,2, Charles Bodet2, Clément Jousselin1,2
1Laboratoire de Virologie et Mycobactériologie, CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.
Abstract:
Keratinocytes, the main cells of the epidermis, are the first site of replication as well as the first line of defense against many viruses such as arboviruses, enteroviruses, herpes viruses, human papillomaviruses, or vaccinia virus. During viral replication, these cells can sense virus associated molecular patterns leading to the initiation of an innate immune response composed of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and antimicrobial peptides. Human keratinocytes produce and secrete at least nine antimicrobial peptides: human cathelicidin LL-37, types 1-4 human β-defensins, S100 peptides such as psoriasin (S100A7), calprotectin (S100A8/9) and koebnerisin (S100A15), and RNase 7. These peptides can exert direct antiviral effects on the viral particle or its replication cycle, and indirect antiviral activity, by modulating the host immune response. The purpose of this review is to summarize current knowledge of antiviral and immunomodulatory properties of human keratinocyte antimicrobial peptides.
Insights
Human keratinocytes produce antimicrobial peptides that fight viruses. These peptides offer direct antiviral defense and modulate the immune system for enhanced protection against viral infections.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Keratinocytes are the primary epidermal cells and serve as the initial defense against viral pathogens.
- Upon viral replication, keratinocytes initiate an innate immune response involving cytokines, chemokines, and antimicrobial peptides.
- Human keratinocytes synthesize and release at least nine distinct antimicrobial peptides.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the antiviral and immunomodulatory functions of antimicrobial peptides produced by human keratinocytes.
- To consolidate current research on these peptides' roles in combating viral infections.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on keratinocyte-derived antimicrobial peptides.
- Analysis of research detailing the antiviral mechanisms and immune-modulating effects of these peptides.
Main Results:
- Human keratinocytes produce key antimicrobial peptides including human cathelicidin LL-37, human β-defensins, S100 peptides (psoriasin, calprotectin, koebnerisin), and RNase 7.
- These peptides demonstrate direct antiviral activity by targeting viral particles or replication processes.
- Indirect antiviral effects are mediated through the modulation of the host immune response.
Conclusions:
- Keratinocyte-derived antimicrobial peptides are crucial components of the skin's innate antiviral defense system.
- These peptides possess both direct and indirect mechanisms to combat viral infections, highlighting their therapeutic potential.
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