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Immunologic abnormalities exhibited in IL-7 transgenic mice with dermatitis
M Uehira1, H Matsuda, A Nakamura
1Shionogi Institute for Medical Science, Osaka, Japan.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|May 14, 1998
Summary
Interleukin-7 transgenic mice develop dermatitis with T cells in skin lesions. These T cells proliferate in an activated state, producing cytokines that may cause immune abnormalities, suggesting a model for studying skin immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- T cell biology
Background:
- Interleukin-7 (IL-7) transgenic mice develop severe dermatitis.
- This dermatitis is characterized by significant infiltration of gammadelta T cells into the dermal lesion.
- The immunologic features of these infiltrating lymphocytes require detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunologic characteristics of dermal infiltrating lymphocytes in IL-7 transgenic mice.
- To understand the pathology of the dermatitis observed in these mice.
- To explore the role of these lymphocytes in the observed skin disease.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of lymphocyte responses to mitogens and alloantigens.
- Assessment of cytotoxic activity against tumor and skin cells.
- Flow cytometry and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to analyze cytokine and marker expression.
- Serum analysis for immunoglobulin levels.
Main Results:
- Dermal infiltrating lymphocytes showed moderate mitogen response but poor alloantigen response and lacked cytotoxic activity.
- These lymphocytes proliferated in response to exogenous IL-2 and IL-7.
- RT-PCR and flow cytometry revealed expression of IL-4, IL-7, IL-7R alpha, and T cell activation markers (CD44, CD69, IL-2R alpha).
- Hyper-epsilon-globulinemia was observed in the sera of affected mice.
Conclusions:
- Dermal infiltrating lymphocytes in IL-7 transgenic mice are activated and proliferate in an autocrine/paracrine manner.
- These cells produce Th2-type cytokines, potentially contributing to observed immunologic abnormalities.
- IL-7 transgenic mice with dermatitis serve as a valuable model for studying the immunologic role of cutaneous gammadelta T cells, particularly in IgE production.