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Expression of epidermal antimicrobial peptides is increased in tinea pedis
Christina Van Anh Pham1, Franziska Rademacher1, Heilwig Hinrichs1
1Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Quincke Research Center, University-Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany.
Background:
Tinea pedis is often chronic or recurrent, but not all individuals are equally susceptible to this infection. Dermatophytes are able to induce the expression of antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs) in human keratinocytes and certain AMPs can inhibit the growth of dermatophytes.
Objective:
The focus of this study was to analyse the secretion of relevant AMPs, especially RNase 7, human beta-defensin-2 (hBD-2) and the S-100 protein psoriasin (S100A7), in patients with confirmed tinea pedis.
Methods:
To verify the diagnosis, skin scales were obtained from all patients (n = 13) and the dermatophytes were identified by potassium hydroxide mount, culture and molecular analysis. To determine the AMP concentrations, the lesional skin area of the foot was rinsed with a buffer that was subsequently analysed by ELISA. The corresponding area of the other unaffected foot as well as defined healthy skin areas of the forearm and forehead and samples from age and gender-matched healthy volunteers served as controls.
Results:
In tinea pedis patients the AMP concentrations were higher in lesional skin than in non-lesional skin and in healthy skin of controls. In particular, concentrations of hBD-2 and psoriasin were significantly elevated.
Conclusions:
The induction of AMPs in tinea pedis might be triggered directly by the dermatophytes; furthermore, attendant inflammation and/or differentiation processes may play a role. Our results indicate that there is no defect in the constitutive expression and induction of the analysed AMPs by dermatophytes in the epidermis of affected patients. However, it is not known why the elevated AMP concentrations fail to efficiently combat dermatophyte growth.
Insights
Patients with tinea pedis show higher levels of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), such as human beta-defensin-2 (hBD-2) and psoriasin, in infected skin. Despite elevated AMPs, the exact reason for their failure to clear the fungal infection remains unclear.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Mycology
Background:
- Tinea pedis infections are frequently chronic or recurrent.
- Individual susceptibility varies, suggesting host defense mechanisms play a role.
- Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and proteins can be induced in keratinocytes and may inhibit dermatophyte growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the secretion of key AMPs, including RNase 7, human beta-defensin-2 (hBD-2), and psoriasin (S100A7), in tinea pedis patients.
- To compare AMP levels in lesional, non-lesional, and healthy skin.
Main Methods:
- Diagnosis of tinea pedis confirmed via KOH mount, culture, and molecular analysis of skin scales.
- AMP concentrations measured using ELISA on buffer rinses from lesional and control skin areas.
- Inclusion of unaffected skin from patients and healthy volunteers as controls.
Main Results:
- AMP concentrations were significantly higher in the lesional skin of tinea pedis patients compared to non-lesional and healthy control skin.
- Elevated levels of hBD-2 and psoriasin were particularly noted.
- No defect in constitutive expression or induction of analyzed AMPs was observed.
Conclusions:
- Dermatophyte presence likely triggers AMP induction in tinea pedis.
- Inflammation and keratinocyte differentiation may also contribute to elevated AMPs.
- The ineffectiveness of high AMP concentrations against dermatophytes in vivo warrants further investigation.
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