Effects of topical application of a recombinant staphylococcal enterotoxin A on DNCB and dust mite extract-induced atopic dermatitis-like lesions in a murine model

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with biphasic T cell-mediated abnormalities. Staphylococcal superantigens contribute to the exacerbation of inflammation in AD. The underlying immunopathological mechanisms are not fully understood. Objective To determine whether epicutaneous application of recombinant staphylococcal enterotoxin A (rSEA) would exacerbate AD-like allergic inflammation induced by 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and house dust mite extract ( Dermatophagoides farinae extract, DFE) in a murine model. Materials and Methods We first established an AD-like model using BALB/c mice exposed to DNCB/DFE on the ear. Next, Staphylococcus (S.) aureus or rSEA were topically applied to the mice. We evaluated the clinical and histopathological features of the animals. Serum immunoglobulin levels were also measured. In addition, real-time PCR analysis of cytokines produced by T cell subsets in the earswas conducted. Results Mice treated with S. aureus and rSEA had more severe clinical symptoms, including increased mean dermatitis scores and ear thickness, compared to animals with only AD-like lesions. Total IgE, IgG2a and serum histamine levels were increased in all groups except the normal control group. The S. Aureus - and rSEA-treated groups showed increased levels of cytokines such as IL-4, IL-13, INF-γ, IL-17, and IL-18. In particular, increased cytokine expressionwas more conspicuous in the rSEA-treated group than in mice exposed to S. aureus . Conclusion The results of this study showed that topical exposure to rSEA as well as SEA-producing S. aureus aggravate atopic skin inflammation. This may be associated with the induction of a mixed Th1/Th2 type dermatitis.