Single-cell transcriptomics reveals a senescence-associated IL-6/CCR6 axis driving radiodermatitis
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ABSTRACT: Irradiation-induced alopecia and dermatitis (IRIAD) are two of the most visually recognized complications of radiotherapy, of which the molecular and cellular basis remains largely unclear. By combining scRNA-seq analysis of whole-skin-derived irradiated cells with genetic ablation and molecular inhibition studies, we show that senescence-associated IL-6 and IL-1 signaling, together with IL-17 upregulation and CCR6+-mediated immune cell migration are crucial drivers of IRIAD. Bioinformatics analysis colocalized irradiation-induced IL-6 signaling with senescence pathway upregulation largely within epidermal hair follicles, basal keratinocytes, and dermal fibroblasts. Loss of cytokine signaling by genetic ablation in IL-6-/- or IL-1R-/- mice, or by molecular blockade, strongly ameliorated IRIAD, as did deficiency of CCL20/CCR6-mediated immune cell migration in CCR6-/- mice. Moreover, IL-6 deficiency strongly reduced IL-17, IL-22, CCL20, and CCR6 upregulation, while CCR6 deficiency reciprocally diminished IL-6, IL-17, CCL3, and MHC upregulation, suggesting that proximity-dependent cellular crosstalk promotes IRIAD. Therapeutically, topical application of Janus kinases blockers or inhibition of T cell activation by cyclosporine effectively reduced IRIAD, suggesting the potential of targeted approaches for the treatment of dermal side effects in radiotherapy patients.
SUBMITTER: Dr. Mor Paldor
PROVIDER: S-SCDT-EMM-2021-15653 | biostudies-other |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other
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