Project description:In the present study, RNA-seq were performed To identify clinical relevance of PLAUR, a putative Serpin E1 receptor, in cutaneous itch signaling and crosstalk pathways with other critical itch modulators.mRNA profiles were generated by deep sequencing, in triplicate, using MGISEQ-2000. Our experiment showed Serpin E1-treatment further led to a marked upregulation of TLR2 transcript in mDRG neurons, along with enhanced transcription of cosignaling proteins belonging to pro-inflammatory signaling pathways including NF-κB signaling proteins. We next investigated the consequence of TLR2 activation in mTGNs using the TLR agonists, Pam3CSK4 (TLR1/2 agonist), FSL-1 (TLR2/6 agonist), or vehicle. Among these transcripts, TLR2 was found upregulated strongest by both TLR2 agonists suggesting a selfenhancing feedback loop of TLR2 activation.The PLAUR-TLR2 axis promotes cutaneous inflammation and itch, both feeding into an aggravation of AD. This finding might help us to better understand the skin-nerve communication in itch circuits.
Project description:Mammals have evolved neurophysiologic reflexes such as coughing and scratching to expel invading pathogens and noxious environmental factors. It is well established that these responses are also associated with chronic inflammatory diseases such as asthma and atopic dermatitis. However, the mechanisms by which inflammatory pathways promote sensations such as itch remain poorly understood. Here, we show that the type 2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 directly stimulate sensory neurons and that chronic itch is dependent on neuronal IL-4Rα and JAK1 signaling. In proof-of-concept clinical studies, we further show that patients with recalcitrant chronic itch markedly improve when treated with JAK inhibitors. Thus, signaling mechanisms previously ascribed to the immune system may represent novel therapeutic targets within the nervous system. Collectively, these studies reveal an evolutionarily conserved paradigm in which the sensory nervous system employs classical immune signaling pathways to influence mammalian behavior.
Project description:In order to analyze the regulatory effects of UII and GPR14 on gene transcription in Mc903-induced atopic dermatitis skin, ear skin collected from MC903 chronic itch mouse model on day 13 was used for in-depth analysis and sequencing of skin gene expression. The effect of GSK1562590 on the expression of pruritus and inflammatory factors in dermatitis was detected by RNA-seq.
Project description:In the present study, RNA-seq were performed To explore biological significance of IL-27 and BST2 in the neuro-cutaneous signaling network of chronic itch. mRNA profiles were generated by deep sequencing, in triplicate, using MGISEQ-2000. We found that both human keratinocytes and murine sensory neurons responded to IL-27 and BST2, resulting in enrichment of genes promoting itch and inflammation. IL-27-BST2 signaling pathway activation promotes cutaneous inflammation and itch, both leading into an aggravation of AD. This finding might help us to better understand the immune-neuro-modulatory mechanism in itch circuits
Project description:Allergic conjunctivitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is characterized by severe itch in the conjunctiva; but how neuro-immune interactions shape the pathogenesis of severe itch remains unclear. We identified a subset of memory-type pathogenic Th2 cells that preferentially expressed Il1rl1-encoding ST2 and Calca-encoding calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the inflammatory conjunctiva using a single-cell analysis. The IL-33-ST2 axis in memory Th2 cells controlled the axonal elongation of the peripheral sensory C-fiber and the induction of severe itch. Pharmacological blockade and genetic deletion of CGRP signaling in vivo attenuated scratching behavior. The analysis of giant papillae from patients with severe allergic conjunctivitis revealed ectopic lymphoid structure formation with the accumulation of IL-33-producing epithelial cells and CGRP-producing pathogenic CD4+ T cells accompanied by peripheral nerve elongation. Thus, the IL-33-ST2-CGRP axis directs severe itch with neuro-reconstruction in the inflammatory conjunctiva and is a potential therapeutic target for severe itch in allergic conjunctivitis.
Project description:The interaction between monocytes and endothelial cells in inflammation is central to chemoattraction, adhesion, and transendothelial migration. Key players such as selectins and their ligands, integrins and other adhesion molecules and their function in these processes are well studied. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), expressed on monocytes, is critical for sensing invading pathogens and initiating a rapid and effective immune response. However, the extended role of TLR2 in monocyte adhesion and migration has only been partially elucidated. To address this question, we performed several functional cell-based assays using monocyte-like wild type (WT), TLR2-knock-out (KO) and, TLR2-knock-in (KI) THP-1 cells. We found that TLR2 promotes faster and stronger adhesion of monocytes to the endothelium and a more intense endothelial barrier disruption after endothelial activation. In addition, we performed quantitative mass-spectrometry, STRING protein analysis, and RT-qPCR, which revealed the association of TLR2 with specific integrins, but also uncovered novel proteins affected by TLR2. In conclusion, we could show that unstimulated TLR2 affects cell adhesion, endothelial barrier disruption, migration, and actin polymerization.