T-cell cytokine network in cutaneous lupus erythematosus

• Published in: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 1997-02, Vol.36 (2), p.191-196
• Main Authors: Stein, Linda F., Saed, Ghassan M., Fivenson, David P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Biopsy; Cytokines - genetics; Cytokines - immunology; HLA-DR Antigens - analysis; Humans; Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous - immunology; Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid - immunology; Medical sciences; RNA, Messenger - analysis; Sarcoidosis. Granulomatous diseases of unproved etiology. Connective tissue diseases. Elastic tissue diseases. Vasculitis; Skin - pathology; T-Lymphocytes - immunology; T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer - immunology
• ISSN: 0190-9622; 1097-6787
• DOI: 10.1016/S0190-9622(97)70279-2

Background: A variety of immunologic abnormalities have been described in systemic and experimental lupus erythematosus (LE). Several T-cell defects, especially in helper T (Th) cell cytokines, have been reported. Objective: Our purpose was to identify the Th cytokine profile in cutaneous LE. Method: Total RNA was extracted from punch biopsy specimens from 19 patients with cutaneous LE (nine, discoid LE; two, subacute cutaneous LE; and eight, systemic LE) and from four healthy control subjects. RNA was reverse transcribed into complementary DNA and amplified with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers specific for interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and β actin. PCR products were detected by agarose gel electrophoresis and Southern blot with 32 P-labeled, nested probes. Results: Sixteen of 19 cutaneous LE specimens lacked IL-2, all were negative for IL-4, and 10 of 19 had detectable IL-10, whereas IFN-γ and IL-5 messenger RNAs were present in the majority of LE specimens. IFN-γ and IL-10 mRNAs were found in all normal skin controls, whereas IL-2, IL-4, and IL-5 mRNAs were undetectable. Functional IFN-γ protein was evidenced by intercellular adhesion molecule–1 and HLA-DR staining of keratinocytes in nine of nine LE specimens but not in normal skin. The pattern of cytokine mRNAs, intercellular adhesion molecule–1, and/or HLA-DR expression in cutaneous LE specimens did not vary with different subtypes of LE, antinuclear antibody titer, or the magnitude of inflammation. Conclusion: The presence of IL-5 mRNA in cutaneous LE specimens suggests that Th type 2 cells combine with local IFN-γ production to augment disease and may be related to the pathophysiology of cutaneous LE. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1997;37:191-6.)