Circulating skin-homing T cells in atopic dermatitis. Selective up-regulation of HLA-DR, interleukin-2R, and CD30 and decrease after combined UV-A and UV-B phototherapy.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

As the cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen appears to detect circulating T cells that migrate to the skin in atopic dermatitis but not T cells that migrate to mucosal sites in allergic asthma and rhinitis, we investigated T-cell activation markers and CD30 on the cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen-positive circulating T-cell subset in atopic dermatitis to see whether these markers are different from those in normal controls and related to disease activity.

DESIGN:

Open study.

SETTING:

University referral center.

PATIENTS:

Twelve patients with atopic dermatitis and 12 healthy controls.

INTERVENTION:

Combined UV-A and UV-B treatment for 2 months.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES:

Percentage of circulating cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen-positive T cells that express HLA-DR, interleukin-2 receptor, CD69, CD71, and CD30 (triple-color flow cytometric analysis). Clinical score, Dermatology Life Quality Index, pruritus score, and consumption of topical corticosteroids were determined.

RESULTS:

Increased relative numbers of cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen-positive T cells expressing HLA-DR, interleukin-2 receptor, and CD30 were found in patients with atopic dermatitis before treatment. Treatment with UV-A and UV-B was associated with clinical improvement and a decrease of levels of HLA-DR, interleukin-2 receptor, and CD30 in cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen-positive T cells. HLA-DR on cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen-positive T cells correlated significantly with the clinical score.

CONCLUSION:

Expression of HLA-DR and interleukin-2 receptor is a sensitive marker of disease activity in atopic dermatitis. Apart from giving information on disease activity in atopic dermatitis, the availability of skin-seeking T cells in the blood offers the opportunity to obtain further information on T cells that may have effector function in the skin.

• Authors: P A Piletta, S Wirth, L Hommel, J H Saurat, C Hauser
• Journal: Archives of dermatology (Arch Dermatol) Vol. 132 Issue 10 Pg. 1171-6 (Oct 1996) ISSN: 0003-987X [Print] United States
• PMID: 8859027 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte
• Antigens, Neoplasm
• CTAGE1 protein, human
• HLA-DR Antigens
• Ki-1 Antigen
• Membrane Glycoproteins
• Receptors, Interleukin-2
• Receptors, Lymphocyte Homing

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte
• Antigens, Neoplasm
• Dermatitis, Atopic (immunology, radiotherapy)
• Female
• HLA-DR Antigens (metabolism)
• Humans
• Ki-1 Antigen (metabolism)
• Male
• Membrane Glycoproteins (metabolism)
• Middle Aged
• Receptors, Interleukin-2 (metabolism)
• Receptors, Lymphocyte Homing (metabolism)
• Skin (immunology)
• T-Lymphocyte Subsets
• Ultraviolet Therapy
• Up-Regulation (radiation effects)