Abstract
Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a cytokine expressed mainly in epithelial cells, including skin, lung and gut. Employing mouse genetic approaches, our previous work has suggested that keratinocyte-derived TSLP, which was found over-expressed in skin lesions of atopic dermatitis (AD) patients, plays a key role in triggering AD pathogenesis. Moreover, we found that overproduction of keratinocytic TSLP led to aggravation of an experimental mouse asthma induced by ovalbumin intraperitoneal sensitization and airway challenge, suggesting that keratinocyte-produced TSLP may represent an important factor in the progression from AD to asthma, a phenomenon known as the “atopic march”. More recently, we established novel experimental allergic asthma mouse models to more faithfully mimic human “atopic march”. Employing these models, we investigated the role of keratinocytic TSLP in allergen sensitization occurring in skin and airways. We discuss briefly here what we learn from these mouse models on the crucial role of TSLP produced by keratinocytes in allergen sensitization through skin or airways during the onset of “atopic march”.
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