T Helper 1 and T Helper 2 Cytokines Differentially Modulate Expression of Filaggrin and its Processing Proteases in Human Keratinocytes

Background： Atopic dermatitis （AD） is characterized by defective skin barrier and imbalance in T helper 1/T helper 2 （Th 1/Th2） cytokine expression.Filaggrin （FLG） is the key protein to maintaining skin barrier function.Recent studies indicated that Th1/Th2 cytokines influence FLG expression in keratinocytes.However, the role ofThl/Th2 cytokines on FLG processing is not substantially documented.Our aim was to investigate the impact ofThl/Th2 cytokines on FLG processing.Methods： HaCaT cells and normal human keratinocytes were cultured in low and high calcium media and stimulated by either interleukin （IL）-4, 13 or interferon-γ（IFN-γ）.FLG, its major processing proteases and key protease inhibitor lymphoepithelial Kazal-type-related inhibitor （LEKTI） were measured by both real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting.Their expression was also evaluated in acute and chronic AD lesions by immunohistochemistry.Results： IL-4/13 significantly reduced, while IFN-γsignificantly up-regulated FLG expression.IL-4/13 significantly increased, whereas IFN-γsignificantly decreased the expression ofkallikreins 5 and 7, matriptase and channel-activating serine protease 1.On the contrary, IL-4/13 significantly decreased, while IFN-γincreased the expression of LEKTI and caspase-14.Similar trends were observed in AD lesions.Conclusions： Our results suggested that Th1/Th2 cytokines differentially regulated the expression of major FLG processing enzymes.The imbalance between Th1 and Th2 polarized immune response seems to extend to FLG homeostasis, through the network of FLG processing enzymes.