Modulation of chemokine receptor expression on CLA+ T cells in atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Rationale Differential expression of chemokine receptors on T cells from healthy individuals and those suffering with disease may help direct these T cells into different immune compartments. We systematically analyzed levels of expression of several CC and CXC chemokine receptors on CLA+ T cells from 27 atopic dermatitis (AD) and 22 healthy subjects. Methods PBMCs were stained direct ex vivo, using antibodies against specific chemokine receptors (CCR1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9; CXCR1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), CLA, CD3, CD4 and CD45RO. Results The percentage of CLA+ T cells expressing receptors CCR5, CCR6, CCR7 and CXCR3 were significantly lower in AD subjects compared to healthy controls ( p<0.01 for all comparisons). The percentage of CLA+ T cells expressing CXCR1 and CXCR2 were significantly higher in the AD subjects. Individuals with AD had significantly higher percentages of CCR4 expressing and lower percentages of CXCR3 expressing CD4+ memory T cells compared to healthy controls (mean CCR4: 39 vs 20.9, p<0.01, and CXCR3: 50.5 vs 63.4, p<0.01). There were no significant differences in the percentage of CLA+ T cells expressing receptors CCR1, CCR2, CCR3, CXCR4, CXCR5 or CXCR6 between subjects with AD and healthy controls. Between 95-99% of CLA + T cells from both groups express CCR4. Conclusions Differences in expression of chemokine receptors on CLA+ T cells between AD and healthy controls were observed. These may have a role in migration of pathogenic T cells to sites of inflammation and could be a target for therapeutic intervention.