Innate type 2 immunity controls hair follicle commensalism by Demodex mites [2021]
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ABSTRACT: Demodex mites are obligate commensal parasites of hair follicles (HF) in mammals. Normally asymptomatic, inflammatory outgrowth of mites can accompany malnutrition, immune dysfunction and aging, but mechanisms restricting Demodex outgrowth and pathogenesis are not defined. Here, we show that control over mite HF colonization of mice requires ILC2s, IL-13, and its receptor IL-4Ra, but not IL-4 or the adaptive immune system. Epithelial HF-associated ILC2s elaborate IL-13 that attenuates HF and epithelial cell proliferation at anagen onset; in their absence, Demodex colonization leads to increased epithelial proliferation and replacement of gene programs for repair by aberrant inflammatory programs leading to loss of barrier function and premature HF exhaustion over time. Humans with rhinophymatous acne rosacea, a nasal inflammatory condition associated with a high burden of Demodex, had increased HF inflammatory cells with decreased type 2 cytokines, consistent with the inverse relationship seen in mice. Our studies uncover a critical role for skin ILC2s and IL-13, which comprise an immune checkpoint necessary to sustain cutaneous integrity and restrict pathologic infestation by colonizing HF mites.
ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus
PROVIDER: GSE197982 | GEO | 2022/08/29
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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