Immunomodulation of Skin Cytokine Secretion by House Dust Mite Extracts

Abstract

Background: Skin contact with house dust mites may contribute to atopic dermatitis and other skin diseases. We sought to determine if molecules from house dust mites could influence the release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines from epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts grown in a human skin equivalent (HSE) model. Methods: HSEs consisting of an epidermis of keratinocytes with stratum corneum over a dermis of fibroblasts in a collagen matrix were challenged with Dermatophagoides farinae, D. pteronyssinus and Euroglyphus maynei mite extracts. Results: HSEs secreted interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1 receptor antagonist, IL-6, IL-8, cutaneous T cell-attracting chemokine, transforming growth factor-α, granulocyte/macrophage and macrophage colony-stimulating factors and vascular endothelial cell growth factor in response to at least 1 mite extract. Extracts of different mite species stimulated HSEs to release different cytokines. Therefore, extracts of different species contained different molecules or different concentrations of similar molecules. The cytokine release profiles of cells in the HSEs were not the same as for monocultured keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Conclusions: Molecules from house dust mites are capable of inducing the release of multiple proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines from epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. Avoiding skin contact with house dust mites would reduce the possibility of mite-induced inflammation in the skin. Therefore, measures to reduce contact with mite molecules such as frequent vacuuming of upholstered furniture and carpets and laundering of clothing and bedding to remove mite molecules and allergens could reduce skin contact with mite molecules and diminish exacerbations of skin inflammation in patients with atopic dermatitis and other skin diseases.

Proteins and endotoxin in house dust mite extracts modulate cytokine secretion and gene expression by dermal fibroblasts

“…A number of studies have shown that house dust mite extracts contain molecules that can induce responses from cells of the skin and bronchial epithelium of the lungs and these may influence the manifestation of inflammation and the course of allergic reactions in the skin and bronchial airway (Arlian et al 2008, 2009a; Arlian & Morgan 2011; Boasen et al 2005; Chen et al 2003; King et al 1998; Lee et al 2008; Machado et al 1996; Sohn et al 2007; Tomee et al 1998; Wong et al 2006). Most of the lung studies have challenged epithelial cells with specific allergens (mostly group 1) or whole extract of D. pteronyssinus .…”

Environmental assessment and exposure control of dust mites: a practice parameter

“…This suggests a mechanism for dust mite–induced atopic dermatitis and suggests that avoiding skin contact with house dust mites may decrease mite-induced inflammation. 125 …”

Diet Influences Growth Rates and Allergen and Endotoxin Contents of Cultured <b><i>Dermatophagoides farinae</i></b> and <b><i>Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus</i></b> House Dust Mites

“…Previous studies found that D. farinae extracts contained more endotoxin than D. pteronyssinus [1,2,3]. Mite extracts also contain molecules that induce cytokine release by cultured dermal fibroblasts, epidermal keratinocytes, endothelial cells of the dermal microvasculature, and lung epithelial cells and thereby may influence inflammation in the skin and respiratory system [4,5,6,7,8,9]. Thus, molecules in mite extracts may influence the course of allergic reactions.…”