Proinflammatory and regulatory mechanisms in allergic contact dermatitis caused by methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone

Mechanism underlying follicular hyperproliferation and oncogenesis in hidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a skin disorder that causes chronic painful inflammation and hyperproliferation, often with the comorbidity of invasive keratoacanthoma (KA). Our research, employing high-resolution immunofluorescence and data science approaches together with confirmatory molecular analysis, has identified that the 5'-cap-dependent protein translation regulatory complex eIF4F is a key factor in the development of HS and is responsible for regulating follicular hyperproliferation. Specifically, eIF4F translational targets, Cyclin D1 and c-MYC, orchestrate the development of HS-associated KA. Although eIF4F and p-eIF4E are contiguous throughout HS lesions, Cyclin D1 and c-MYC have unique spatial localization and functions. The keratin-filled crater of KA is formed by nuclear c-MYC-induced differentiation of epithelial cells, whereas the co-localization of c-MYC and Cyclin D1 provides oncogenic transformation by activating RAS, PI3K, and ERK pathways. In sum, we have revealed a novel mechanism underlying HS pathogenesis of follicular hyperproliferation and the development of HS-associated invasive KA.

Perivascular clusters of Th2 cells and M2 macrophages in allergic contact dermatitis to methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone

BACKGROUND

Methylisothiazolinone (MI) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) are among the most common skin sensitizers, yet the immunological events that occur during MCI/MI allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) are still poorly understood.

OBJECTIVES

To analyse dendrocytes, macrophage subtypes and T cells in skin during the elicitation phase of MCI/MI ACD.

METHODS

Thirteen patients with positive patch test reactions to MCI/MI (ACD group) and 11 individuals with negative patch test results were selected. Skin biopsies were only performed at 48 hours of patch testing. Immunohistochemistry was conducted to assess T cells, dendrocytes (Factor XIIIa), M1 (p-Stat1, CD68) and M2 (c-Maf, CD163) macrophages. Transcriptional analyses were performed for cytokines and related factors, and further compared to atopic dermatitis samples (n=4). Immunofluorescence assays addressed T cells location, along with IL-4 or IL-13, within the skin.

RESULTS

MCI/MI elicited dermal dendrocytes and macrophages, pronouncedly the M2 subtype. T cells, majorly CD4+ T cells, accumulated in the perivascular areas. Similarly, abundant IL-4 protein was detected in these areas. There was an upregulation of IL-4 and IL-13 mRNA expression, a mild increase in IFNG mRNA levels and a down-regulation of RORC in the ACD group. Immunofluorescence revealed dermal clusters of T cells co-localized with IL-4.

CONCLUSIONS

M2 macrophages and Th2 cells participate in the immunopathogenesis of MCI/MI ACD. Dermal dendrocytes and M2 macrophages may assist the formation of CD4+ T cells perivascular clusters. These findings render a mechanistic insight into the MCI/MI reaction. Further analysis at different timepoints of patch testing is required to fully comprehend this ACD kinetics.