Functional beta2-integrins restrict skin inflammation in vivo

Savinko, T. S., Morrison, V. L. , Uotila, L. M., Wolff, C. H. J., Alenius, H. T. and Fagerholm, S. C. (2015) Functional beta2-integrins restrict skin inflammation in vivo. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 135, pp. 2249-2257. (doi: 10.1038/jid.2015.164) (PMID:25918984)

Abstract

Beta2-integrins and the important integrin regulator kindlin-3 are essential for leukocyte trafficking, but the role of beta2-integrins in regulating inflammation is still incompletely understood. Here, we have investigated skin inflammation in a mouse model where the kindlin-3 binding site in the beta2-integrin has been mutated (TTT/AAA-beta2-integrin knock-in), leading to expressed but dysfunctional integrins. We show that, surprisingly, neutrophil trafficking into the inflamed skin in a contact hypersensitivity model is normal in these mice, although trafficking of T cells and eosinophils into the skin is reduced. Instead, expression of dysfunctional integrins leads to increased mast cell and dendritic cell numbers in the skin, increased inflammatory cytokine production in the inflamed skin in vivo, and in mast cells in vitro. Furthermore, expression of dysfunctional integrins leads to increased dendritic cell activation and migration to lymph nodes and increased Th1 responses in vivo. Therefore, the kindlin-3/integrin interaction is important for trafficking of T cells and eosinophils but not absolutely required for neutrophil trafficking into the inflamed skin. Functional beta2-integrins also have a major role in restricting the immune response in the inflamed skin and lymph nodes in vivo, likely through effects on mast cell and dendritic cell numbers and activation.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Morrison, Dr Vicky
• Authors: Savinko, T. S., Morrison, V. L., Uotila, L. M., Wolff, C. H. J., Alenius, H. T., and Fagerholm, S. C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Journal of Investigative Dermatology
• Journal Abbr.: JID
• Publisher: Nature Publishing Group
• ISSN: 0022-202X
• ISSN (Online): 1523-1747