Th2 cytokines increase Staphylococcus aureus alpha toxin-induced keratinocyte death through the signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6).

ABSTRACT: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease characterized by increased T-helper type 2 (Th2) cytokine expression. AD skin lesions are often exacerbated by Staphylococcus aureus-mediated secretion of the lytic virulence factor, alpha toxin. In the current study, we report that alpha toxin-induced cell death is greater in the skin from patients with AD compared with controls. Furthermore, we find that keratinocyte differentiation and Th2 cytokine exposure influence sensitivity to S. aureus alpha toxin-induced cell death. Differentiated keratinocytes are protected from cell death, whereas cells treated with Th2 cytokines have increased sensitivity to alpha toxin-induced lethality. Our data demonstrate that the downstream effects mediated by Th2 cytokines are dependent upon host exp

SUBMITTER: Brauweiler AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4102636 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature