Socs1-knockout in skin-resident CD4+ T cells in a protracted contact-allergic reaction results in an autonomous skin inflammation with features of early-stage mycosis fungoides

ABSTRACT: Recent detailed genomic analysis of mycosis fungoides (MF) identified suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1), an inhibitor of JAK/STAT signaling, as one of the frequently deleted tumor suppressors in MF, and one-copy deletion of SOCS1 was confirmed in early-stage MF lesions. To better understand the functional role of SOCS1 in the genesis of MF, we used a genetically engineered mouse model emulating heterozygous SOCS1 loss in skin resident CD4+ T cells. In these mice an experimentally induced contact-allergic reaction was maintained for 20 weeks. Ten weeks after discontinuing contact-allergic challenges, only the skin with locally one-copy deletion of Socs1 in CD4+ T cells still showed high numbers of CD3+/CD4+ Socs1 k.o. cells in the dermis (p ＜ 0.0001) with prevalent Stat3 activation (p ＜0.001). And in one out of 9 mice, this had progressed to far more dramatic increases, including the thickened epidermis, and with an explosive growth of Socs1 k.o. T cells in circulation; indicative of cutaneous lymphoma. Hence, we show that Socs1 mono-allelic loss in CD4+ T cells locally in protractedly inflamed skin results in autonomous skin inflammation with features of early-stage MF. Highlights • Mono-allelic Socs1 loss in skin-resident CD4+ T cells boosts skin inflammation, sustaining it with features of early-stage MF.• Mono-allelic Socs1 loss in skin-resident CD4+ T cells increases activation of Stat3 in skin-inflammatory T cells.• Mono-allelic Socs1 loss in skin-resident CD4+ T cells leads to pathological expansion of lymphocytes in circulation and skin.• This transgenic mouse model opens up new possibilities of unravelling molecular mechanisms underlying the genesis of MF.

SUBMITTER: Luo Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10470183 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature