2 research outputs found
TSLP is a direct trigger for T cell migration in filaggrin-deficient skin equivalents
Mutations in the gene encoding for filaggrin (FLG) are major predisposing
factors for atopic dermatitis (AD). Besides genetic predisposition,
immunological dysregulations considerably contribute to its pathophysiology.
For example, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is highly expressed in
lesional atopic skin and significantly contributes to the pathogenesis of AD
by activating dendritic cells that then initiate downstream effects on, for
example, T cells. However, little is known about the direct interplay between
TSLP, filaggrin-deficient skin and other immune cells such as T lymphocytes.
In the present study, FLG knockdown skin equivalents, characterised by
intrinsically high TSLP levels, were exposed to activated CD4+ T cells. T cell
exposure resulted in an inflammatory phenotype of the skin equivalents.
Furthermore, a distinct shift from a Th1/Th17 to a Th2/Th22 profile was
observed following exposure of T cells to filaggrin-deficient skin
equivalents. Interestingly, TSLP directly stimulated T cell migration
exclusively in filaggrin-deficient skin equivalents even in the absence of
dendritic cells, indicating a hitherto unknown role of TSLP in the
pathogenesis of AD
pH-Modulating Poly(ethylene glycol)/Alginate Hydrogel Dressings for the Treatment of Chronic Wounds
The development of chronic wounds has been frequently associated with alkaline pH values. The application of pH-modulating wound dressings can, therefore, be a promising treatment option to promote normal wound healing. This study reports on the development and characterization of acidic hydrogel dressings based on interpenetrating poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate/acrylic acid/alginate networks. The incorporation of ionizable carboxylic acid groups results in high liquid uptake up to 500%. The combination of two separate polymer networks significantly improves the tensile and compressive stability. In a 2D cell migration assay, the application of hydrogels (0% to 1.5% acrylic acid) results in complete "wound" closure; hydrogels with 0.25% acrylic acid significantly increase the cell migration velocity to 19.8 +/- 1.9 mu m h(-1). The most promising formulation (hydrogels with 0.25% acrylic acid) is tested on 3D human skin constructs, increasing keratinocyte ingrowth into the wound by 164%