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Published on: December 15, 2011
Immunohistochemical detection of interferon-gamma-producing cells in dermatophytosis
1Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1, Maidashi, Higashi-ku, J-812-8582 Fukuoka, Japan. tekoga@dermatol.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Insights
Skin lesions from dermatophytosis involve a T helper 1 (Th1) response. This immune response, marked by interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) release, appears crucial for host defense against fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Mycology
Background:
- Dermatophytosis skin lesions are associated with T cell-mediated inflammation.
- Cytokines play a role in the inflammatory response to dermatophytes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and role of T helper 1 (Th1) cells in dermatophytosis skin lesions.
- To determine if interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-positive cells are present in situ within these lesions.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical techniques were employed to examine skin biopsies.
- The study identified various immune cell populations, including CD4+, CD8+, CD1a+, CD68+, and IFN-gamma-positive cells.
Main Results:
- CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were found in dermal infiltrates.
- CD1a+ and CD68+ cells accumulated in the upper dermis and epidermis.
- IFN-gamma-positive cells, indicative of a Th1 response, were identified intracellularly in mononuclear lymphoid cells within the lesions.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the hypothesis that dermatophytosis skin lesions are associated with a Th1-type immune response.
- The Th1 response, characterized by IFN-gamma release, is implicated in host defense against dermatophytes and cutaneous reactions in dermatophytosis.
Abstract:
Skin lesions of dermatophytosis are thought to be a result of a T cell-dependent inflammatory response that is mediated by various cytokines. We examined whether IFN-gamma-positive cells (as expression of Th1 response) were present in the skin lesions of dermatophytosis in situ by immunohistochemical techniques. Mixtures of CD4-positive T cells and CD8-positive T cells were found to be present in the dermal infiltrates of the lesions. Considerable numbers of CD1a-positive cells were detected in the upper dermis and epidermis. A marked accumulation of CD68-positive cells was found in the upper dermis. IFN-gamma-positive cells were present in the upper dermis of the lesions. The pattern of IFN-gamma staining appeared to be intracellular in mononuclear lymphoid cells. The staining was considered to be highly specific because it could be completely blocked by preabsorption with recombinant IFN-gamma. Our data support the hypothesis that the skin lesions of dermatophytosis may be associated with a Th1 response. Th1 response, which is characterized by IFN-gamma release, is thought to be involved in the host defense against dermatophytes and to reflect cutaneous reaction in dermatophytosis.
