Cell-mediated Skin Inflammation Research Articles

Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals Molecular Signatures that Distinguish Allergic from Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a pruritic skin disease caused by environmental chemicals that induce cell-mediated skin inflammation within susceptible individuals. Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is caused by direct damage to the skin barrier by environmental insults. Diagnosis can be challenging as both types of contact dermatitis can appear similar by visual exam, and histopathological analysis does not reliably distinguish ACD from ICD. To discover specific biomarkers of ACD and ICD, we characterized the transcriptomic and proteomic changes that occur within the skin during each type of contact dermatitis. We induced ACD and ICD in healthy human volunteers and sampled skin using a non-scarring suction blister biopsy method that collects interstitial fluid and cellular infiltrate. Single cell RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that cell-specific transcriptome differences rather than cell type proportions best distinguished ACD from ICD. Allergy-specific genes were associated with upregulation of IFNG, and cell signaling network analysis implicated several other genes such as IL4, despite their low expression levels. We validated transcriptomic differences with proteomic assays on blister fluid and trained a logistic regression model on skin interstitial fluid proteins that could distinguish ACD from ICD and healthy control skin with 93% sensitivity and 93% specificity.

IL-27 disturbs lipid metabolism and restrains mitochondrial activity to inhibit γδ T17 cell-mediated skin inflammation

IL-17+ γδ T cells (γδ T17) are kick-starters of inflammation due to their strict immunosurveillance of xenobiotics or cellular damages and rapid response to pro-inflammatory stimulators. IL-27 is a well-recognized pleiotropic immune regulator with potent inhibitory effects on type 17 immune responses. However, its actions on γδ T17 mediated inflammation and the underlying mechanisms are less well understood. Here we find that IL-27 inhibits the production of IL-17 from γδ T cells. Mechanistically, IL-27 promotes lipolysis while inhibits lipogenesis, thus reduces the accumulation of lipids and subsequent membrane phospholipids, which leads to mitochondrial deactivation and ensuing reduction of IL-17. More importantly, Il27ra deficient γδ T cells are more pathogenic in an imiquimod-induced murine psoriasis model, while intracutaneous injection of rmIL-27 ameliorates psoriatic inflammation. In summary, this work uncovered the metabolic basis for the immune regulatory activity of IL-27 in restraining γδ T17 mediated inflammation, which provides novel insights into IL-27/IL-27Ra signaling, γδ T17 biology and the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Emedastine Inhibits Th1 and Th2 Cell Differentiation Mediated by Mast Cells.

We have previously clarified that emedastine, a second-generation antihistamine drug, inhibits T helper 1(Th1)/Th2 cell differentiation mediated by Langerhans cells (LCs). In addition, although we have recently found that mast cells also function as antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and induce Th1/Th2 cell differentiation, any influence of emedastine on this function remained unclear. Here we investigated the influence of emedastine on Th1/Th2 cell differentiation via mast cells. Mast cells were obtained by long-term culture of murine splenocytes in medium supplemented with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. The mast cells were then incubated in the presence or absence of emedastine, and cultured with naïve CD4+ T cells in the presence of ovalbumin (OVA) peptide. Five days later, Th cells in the culture were stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and ionomycin, and Th1/Th2 cytokine production was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. When mast cells treated with emedastine were used as APCs, production of interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-4 from activated Th cells was significantly suppressed. This suppression was associated with inhibition of CD86 expression on mast cells, and mast cells treated with emedastine were shown to obstruct the differentiation of both Th1 and Th2 cells by down-regulating their cell surface expression of CD86. The present data provide additional information that topical application of emedastine to the lesional skin of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) would reduce not only LC- but also mast cell-mediated skin inflammation.

Regulatory T Cell-Targeted Immunomodulatory Therapy for Long-Term Clinical Improvement of Atopic Dermatitis: Hypotheses and Perspectives.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronically relapsing inflammatory skin disorder characterized by itching and eczematous lesions. It is often associated with a personal or familial history of allergic diseases. Allergic inflammation induced by immunoglobulin E and T-helper type 2 (Th2) cell responses to common environmental agents has been suggested to play an essential role in AD pathogenesis. The standard therapies for AD, including topical or systemic agents, focus on controlling skin inflammation. Recently developed monoclonal antibody to interleukin-4 receptor alpha or Janus kinase inhibitors can provide significant clinical improvements in patients with AD by inhibiting Th2 cell-mediated skin inflammation. However, the clinical efficacy of the Th2 cell-targeted therapy is transient and incomplete in patients with AD. Patients with AD are seeking a permanent cure. Therefore, the development of novel immunomodulatory strategies that can improve a long-term clinical outcome and provide a long-term treatment-free clinical remission of AD (disease-modifying therapy) is needed. Regulatory T (Treg) cells play a critical role in the maintenance of immune tolerance and suppress the development of autoimmune and allergic diseases. This review provides three working hypotheses and perspectives for the treatment of AD by Treg cell activation. (1) A decreased number or function of Treg cells is a critical event that causes the activation of Th2 cells, leading to the development and maintenance of AD. (2) Activation of Treg cells is an effective therapeutic approach for AD. (3) Many different immunomodulatory strategies activating Treg cells can provide a long-term clinical improvement of AD by induction of immune tolerance. The Treg cell-targeted immunomodulatory therapies for AD include allergen immunotherapy, microbiota, vitamin D, polyvalent human immunoglobulin G, monoclonal antibodies to the surface antigens of T cell or antigen-presenting cell, and adoptive transfer of autologous Treg cells or genetically engineered Treg cells expanded in vitro.

Early Stress-Response Gene REDD1 Controls Oxazolone-Induced Allergic Contact Dermatitis.

REDD1 is an energy sensor and stress-induced mTOR inhibitor. Recently, its novel role in linking metabolism and inflammation/immune responses has emerged. In this study, we assessed the role of REDD1 in murine oxazolone-induced allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), a T cell-dependent model with features of human ACD. A variety of immune indices, including edema, cellular infiltration, inflammatory gene expression, and glucocorticoid response, were compared in Redd1 knockout (KO) and isogenic (C57BL/6 × 129)F1 wild-type mice after sensitization and subsequent ear challenge with oxazolone. Despite relatively normal thymic profiles and similar T cell populations in the lymph nodes of naive Redd1 KO mice, early T cell expansion and cytokine production were profoundly impaired after sensitization. Surprisingly, higher steady-state populations of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, as well as macrophages (CD45+/Ly-6G-/CD11b+), dendritic cells (CD45+/Ly-6G-/CD11c+), neutrophils (CD45+/Ly-6G+/CD11b+), and innate lymphoid cells (CD45+/Lineage-/IL-7Ra+/ST2+/c-Kit+), were observed in the ears of naive Redd1 KO mice. Upon challenge, ear edema, T cell, macrophage, neutrophil, and dendritic cell infiltration into the ear was significantly reduced in Redd1 KO animals. Accordingly, we observed significantly lower induction of IFN-γ, IL-4, and other cytokines as well as proinflammatory factors, including TSLP, IL-33, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, in challenged ears of Redd1 KO mice. The response to glucocorticoid treatment was also diminished. Taken together, these data establish REDD1 as an essential immune modulator that influences both the initiation of ACD disease, by driving naive T cell activation, and the effector phase, by promoting immune cell trafficking in T cell-mediated skin inflammation.

Therapeutic potential of lipids obtained from γ-irradiated PBMCs in dendritic cell-mediated skin inflammation

BackgroundSince numerous pathological conditions are evoked by unwanted dendritic cell (DC) activity, therapeutic agents modulating DC functions are of great medical interest. In regenerative medicine, cellular secretomes have gained increasing attention and valuable immunomodulatory properties have been attributed to the secretome of γ-irradiated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Potential effects of the PBMC secretome (PBMCsec) on key DC functions have not been elucidated so far. MethodsWe used a hapten-mediated murine model of contact hypersensitivity (CH) to study the effects of PBMCsec on DCs in vivo. Effects of PBMCsec on human DCs were investigated in monocyte-derived DCs (MoDC) and ex vivo skin cultures. DCs were phenotypically characterised by transcriptomics analyses and flow cytometry. DC function was evaluated by cytokine secretion, antigen uptake, PBMC proliferation and T-cell priming. FindingsPBMCsec significantly alleviated tissue inflammation and cellular infiltration in hapten-sensitized mice. We found that PBMCsec abrogated differentiation of MoDCs, indicated by lower expression of classical DC markers CD1a, CD11c and MHC class II molecules. Furthermore, PBMCsec reduced DC maturation, antigen uptake, lipopolysaccharides-induced cytokine secretion, and DC-mediated immune cell proliferation. Moreover, MoDCs differentiated with PBMCsec displayed diminished ability to prime naïve CD4+T-cells into TH1 and TH2 cells. Furthermore, PBMCsec modulated the phenotype of DCs present in the skin in situ. Mechanistically, we identified lipids as the main biomolecule accountable for the observed immunomodulatory effects. InterpretationTogether, our data describe DC-modulatory actions of lipids secreted by stressed PBMCs and suggest PBMCsec as a therapeutic option for treatment of DC-mediated inflammatory skin conditions. FundingThis research project was supported by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (Vienna, Austria; grant “APOSEC” 862068; 2015–2019) and the Vienna Business Agency (Vienna, Austria; grant “APOSEC to clinic” 2343727).

Ex vivo culture of lesional psoriasis skin for pharmacological testing

BackgroundPsoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disorder resulting from a complex interplay between immune and skin cells via release of soluble mediators. While a lot is known about the molecular mechanisms behind psoriasis pathogenesis, there is still a need for preclinical research models that accuratelyreplicate the disease. ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop and characterize ex vivo culture of psoriasis skin as a model for pharmacological testing, where the immunological events of psoriasis can be followed. MethodsFull thickness punch biopsies of lesional psoriasis skin were cultured in submerged conditions up to 144 h followingin situ T cell stimulation with rhIL-23 and anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies. The T cell mediated skin inflammation was assessed by gene and protein l analysis for a panel of inflammatory mediators. Tissue integrity and morphology were evaluated by histological analysis. ResultsT cell stimulation resulted in functional and psoriasis specificin situ activation of T cells. The expression levels of most of the proinflammatory mediators related to both immune and skin cells were comparable to these in freshly isolated tissue at 48 and 96 h of culture. Tissue integrity and morphology were sustained up to 96 h. Treatment with a corticosteroid reduced the expression of several pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, whereas anti-IL-17A antibody treatment reduced the expression of the IL-17A downstream markers IL-8 and DEFB4. ConclusionBy preserving keyimmunopathological mechanisms of psoriasis, ex vivo culture of psoriasis skin can be used for the investigation of inflammatory processes of psoriasis and for preclinical drug discovery research.

Type1 Interferons Potential Initiating Factors Linking Skin Wounds With Psoriasis Pathogenesis.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease that can often be triggered upon skin injury, known as Koebner phenomenon. Type 1 interferons (IFNα and IFNβ), key cytokines that activate autoimmunity during viral infection, have been suggested to play an indispensable role in initiating psoriasis during skin injury. Type 1 IFN-inducible gene signature has been identified as one of the major upregulated gene signatures in psoriatic skin. Type 1 IFNs treatments often directly induce or exacerbate psoriasis, whereas blocking type 1 IFNs signaling pathway in animal models effectively inhibits the development of T cell-mediated skin inflammation and psoriasis-like inflammatory diseases. Epidermal keratinocytes (KCs) occupy the outermost position in the skin and are the first responder to skin injury. Skin injury rapidly induces IFNβ from KCs and IFNα from dermal plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) through distinct mechanisms. Host antimicrobial peptide LL37 potentiates double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) immune pathways in keratinocytes and single-stranded RNA or DNA pathways in pDCs, leading to production of distinct type 1 IFN genes. IFNβ from KC promotes dendritic cell maturation and the subsequent T cell proliferation, contributing to autoimmune activation during skin injury and psoriasis pathogenesis. Accumulating evidences have indicated an important role of this dsRNA immune pathway in psoriasis pathogenesis. Together, this review describes how skin injury induces type 1 IFNs from skin cells and how this may initiate autoimmune cascades that trigger psoriasis. Targeting keratinocytes or type 1 IFNs in combination with T cell therapy may result in more sustainable effect to treat auto-inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis.

Biological Effects of IL-26 on T Cell–Mediated Skin Inflammation, Including Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized mainly by epidermal hyperplasia, scaling, and erythema; T helper 17 cells have a role in its pathogenesis. Although IL-26, known as a T helper 17 cytokine, is upregulated in psoriatic skin lesions, its precise role is unclear. We investigated the role of IL-26 in the imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like murine model using human IL-26 transgenic mice. Erythema symptoms induced by daily applications of imiquimod increased dramatically in human IL-26 transgenic mice compared with controls. Vascularization and immune cell infiltration were prominent in skin lesions of human IL-26 transgenic mice. Levels of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 1, FGF2, and FGF7 were significantly upregulated in the skin lesions of imiquimod-treated human IL-26 transgenic mice and psoriasis patients. Invitro analysis demonstrated that FGF1, FGF2, and FGF7 levels were elevated in human keratinocytes and vascular endothelial cells following IL-26 stimulation. Furthermore, IL-26 acted directly on vascular endothelial cells, promoting proliferation and tube formation, possibly through protein kinase B, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and NF-κB pathways. Moreover, similar effects of IL-26 were observed in the murine contact hypersensitivity model, indicating that these effects are not restricted to psoriasis. Altogether, our data indicate that IL-26 may be a promising therapeutic target in T cell-mediated skin inflammation, including psoriasis.

Hapten-Specific T Cell-Mediated Skin Inflammation: Flow Cytometry Analysis of Mouse Skin Inflammatory Infiltrate.

Hapten-specific T cell-mediated skin inflammation also known as contact hypersensitivity (CHS) is characterized by a strong influx of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells within the skin upon reexposure of sensitized individuals to the same hapten. As many other leukocytes are also recruited during this elicitation phase, we attempted to revisit the skin infiltrate and characterize the inflammatory pattern. Recent improvement in the isolation in conventional as well as inflammatory dendritic cell and macrophage subsets from tissues and in the use of appropriate surface markers unraveling their heterogeneity should allow to determinate their specific functions in the CHS model. Here, we describe procedures to extract those cells from the skin and to analyze them by flow cytometry using a combination of appropriate surface markers allowing further transcriptomic analysis and functional assays.

Transcription factor NFAT1 controls allergic contact hypersensitivity through regulation of activation induced cell death program.

Allergic contact hypersensitivity (CHS) is an inflammatory skin disease mediated by allergen specific T cells. In this study, we investigated the role of transcription factor NFAT1 in the pathogenesis of contact hypersensitivity. NFAT1 knock out (KO) mice spontaneously developed CHS-like skin inflammation in old age. Healthy young NFAT1 KO mice displayed enhanced susceptibility to hapten-induced CHS. Both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from NFAT1 KO mice displayed hyper-activated properties and produced significantly enhanced levels of inflammatory T helper 1(Th1)/Th17 type cytokines. NFAT1 KO T cells were more resistant to activation induced cell death (AICD), and regulatory T cells derived from these mice showed a partial defect in their suppressor activity. NFAT1 KO T cells displayed a reduced expression of apoptosis associated BCL-2/BH3 family members. Ectopic expression of NFAT1 restored the AICD defect in NFAT1 KO T cells and increased AICD in normal T cells. Recipient Rag2−/− mice transferred with NFAT1 KO T cells showed more severe CHS sensitivity due to a defect in activation induced hapten-reactive T cell apoptosis. Collectively, our results suggest the NFAT1 plays a pivotal role as a genetic switch in CD4+/CD8+ T cell tolerance by regulating AICD process in the T cell mediated skin inflammation.

Correction: Langerhans Cells Suppress CD49a+ NK Cell–Mediated Skin Inflammation

Scholz, F., S. Naik, F. S. Sutterwala, and D. H. Kaplan. 2015. Langerhans cells suppress CD49a+ NK cell–mediated skin inflammation. J. Immunol. 195: [2335–2342][1]. In the original publication of this article, the labels for Rag1−/− and ΔLC-Rag1−/− in Fig. 2B were inadvertently swapped

T cell–derived microvesicles induce mast cell production of IL-24: Relevance to inflammatory skin diseases

It has recently been shown that microvesicles derived from activated T cells can stimulate human mast cells (MCs) to degranulate and release several cytokines. The aim of this study was to characterize microvesicle-induced MC expression patterns. Through identification of unique cytokine and chemokine expression, we attempted to reveal pathogenetic roles for this pathway of MC activation. T cell-derived microvesicles were labeled with PKH67 to allow visualization of their interaction with human MCs. Consequent gene expression profiling was studied by using a whole-genome microarray and analyzed for identification of cellular pathway clusters. Expression of 3 selected genes, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3 (CCL3), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 7 (CCL7), and IL24, was validated by means of quantitative RT-PCR and specific ELISA. IL24, which has not been recognized heretofore in MCs, was also tested for its effect on keratinocyte signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 phosphorylation and for its presence in MCs in psoriatic skin lesions. Uptake and internalization of activated T cell-derived microvesicles into human MCs occurred within 24 hours. Microvesicles induced the upregulation of several clusters of genes, notably those that are cytokine related. Among these, IL24 appeared to be a hallmark of microvesicle-induced activation. MC-derived IL-24, in turn, activates keratinocytes invitro, as manifested by signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation, and is produced in MCs within psoriatic lesions. Production of IL-24 is a unique feature of microvesicle-induced MC activation because its production by these cells has not been recognized thus far. We propose that this MC-derived cytokine might contribute to the pathologic findings in T cell-mediated skin inflammation.

Regulating with Reg Proteins: A New Role in Th17 Cell-Mediated Skin inflammation

The mechanisms linking skin inflammation and observed defects in skin barrier function and integrity need further elucidation. In this issue of Immunity, Lai etal. (2012) identify REG3A as a downstream mediator of interleukin 17A that enhances keratinocyte proliferation and downmodulates keratinocyte differentiation.

Histamine receptor H1 signaling on dendritic cells plays a key role in the IFN-γ/IL-17 balance in T cell–mediated skin inflammation

The diverse effects of histamine on immune regulation are a result of the differential expression and regulation of 4 histamine receptors. Many of the immediate allergic and inflammatory actions of histamine are mediated via the type 1 receptor (H1R). We hypothesized that H1R was involved in the fine-tuning of the initiation of T cell-mediated skin pathology-that is, dermatitis. The impact of the H1R invalidation on the development of skin inflammation was analyzed in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis. We show that H1r(-)/(-) mice developed reduced allergen-specific skin lesions. Lack of H1R expression on dendritic cells (DCs) led to diminished IL-12, upregulated IL-23, and IL-6 production upon allergen stimulation. H1R engagement on dendritic cells was necessary for DC activation and subsequent priming of effector IFN-γ(+)CD8(+) T cells. We demonstrate here that H1R blockade on DCs promotes generation of noneffector IL-17(+)CD8(+) T cells that are unable to initiate the skin inflammation. Our data identify that histamine signaling through the H1R on DCs is an important early event conditioning the quality of the skin effector immune response.

Role of T cells in nonimmediate allergic drug reactions

This review presents the current knowledge of the role of T cells in drug allergy manifesting as exanthematous, pustular and bullous skin diseases, collectively referred to as nonimmediate allergic drug reactions. Both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells producing type 1 and type 2 cytokines and endowed with cytotoxic properties are involved in nonimmediate allergic drug reactions. Recent studies have confirmed that CD8+ T cells play a major role in the pathophysiology of nonimmediate allergic drug reactions, and have characterized new cytotoxic molecular pathways responsible for the severity of the bullous forms of nonimmediate allergic drug reactions. Nonimmediate allergic drug reactions are mediated by T cells and mostly affect the skin. Nonimmediate allergic drug reactions comprise several diseases ranging from the frequent and benign maculo-papular exanthema to the severe and rare toxic epidermal necrolysis. Progress in the knowledge of the pathophysiology of nonimmediate allergic drug reactions comes from a better understanding of the mechanisms of drug recognition by T cells and from a careful analysis of the phenotype and functions of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells infiltrating the skin lesions. Recent studies have confirmed that the different clinical forms of nonimmediate allergic drug reactions are associated with distinct types of T cell-mediated skin inflammation. However, CD8+ T cells appear as major effector T cells in most of the nonimmediate allergic drug reactions. Future studies to analyze the early cellular and molecular events leading to the development of the allergic skin reaction will be helpful in order to define diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

Oral Probiotic Control Skin Inflammation by Acting on Both Effector and Regulatory T Cells

Probiotics are believed to alleviate allergic and inflammatory skin disorders, but their impact on pathogenic effector T cells remains poorly documented. Here we show that oral treatment with the probiotic bacteria L. casei (DN-114 001) alone alleviates antigen-specific skin inflammation mediated by either protein-specific CD4+ T cells or hapten-specific CD8+ T cells. In the model of CD8+ T cell-mediated skin inflammation, which reproduces allergic contact dermatitis in human, inhibition of skin inflammation by L. casei is not due to impaired priming of hapten-specific IFNγ-producing cytolytic CD8+ effector T cells. Alternatively, L. casei treatment reduces the recruitment of CD8+ effector T cells into the skin during the elicitation (i.e. symptomatic) phase of CHS. Inhibition of skin inflammation by L. casei requires MHC class II-restricted CD4+ T cells but not CD1d-restricted NK-T cells. L casei treatment enhanced the frequency of FoxP3+ Treg in the skin and increased the production of IL-10 by CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells in skin draining lymph nodes of hapten-sensitized mice. These data demonstrate that orally administered L. casei (DN-114 001) efficiently alleviate T cell-mediated skin inflammation without causing immune suppression, via mechanisms that include control of CD8+ effector T cells and involve regulatory CD4+ T cells. L. casei (DN-114 001) may thus represent a probiotic of potential interest for immunomodulation of T cell-mediated allergic skin diseases in human.

IL-22 is Required for Th17 Cell Mediated Skin Inflammation in Murine Model of Psoriasis

IL-22 is Required for Th17 Cell Mediated Skin Inflammation in Murine Model of Psoriasis

Photoimmunosuppression of contact hypersensitivity

Contact hypersensitivity is characterized by an antigen-specific T cell-mediated skin inflammation that occurs at the site of challenge with a hapten in individuals who have already generated an immune response to that hapten. A complex cascade follows ultraviolet irradiation of the skin and topical application of a hapten, ending in suppression of the contact hypersensitivity response. A variety of photoreceptors at the body surface initiate the process: these have been identified as DNA, trans-urocanic acid and membrane components. Secondary steps follow, such as the production of a range of soluble immune mediators and changes in the number, phenotype and function of Langerhans cells, dendritic cells and macrophages. The final effector mechanisms include the expression of immunosuppressive cytokines, a change from a type 1 cytokine profile to type 2, the induction of hapten-specific T-regulatory cells and defective antigen presentation. The consequences of immunomodulation for skin cancer are considere...

Notes from the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Dermatologische Forschung (ADF), Berlin,

The 2005 ADF Annual Meeting was held in Innsbruck, Austria, 3–5 March, 2005, featuring an acclaimed workshop on ‘Wound healing and angiogenesis.’ Speakers: K. Alitalo, M. Detmar, S. Werner, N. Fusenig and others, as well as J. Ring (Munich), M. Maurer (Berlin), J. Baron (Aachen), and R. Dummer (Zürich) as ‘Quo vadis’ speakers, and D. Bickers (New York) as Günter-Goerz-Lecturer (honoring lifetime academic achievements in investigative dermatology) and G. Wick (Innsbruck) as Special Guest Lecturer. Besides six poster and six travel awards, several prestigious awards were bestowed at the Innsbruck ADF Meeting to honor outstanding research achievements within the ADF community. Awardees: ECARF-ADF Award in Allergy Research (sponsor: European Center for Allergy and Research Foundation, Berlin): Professor E. Jensen-Jarolim, University of Vienna, Institute of Physiology and Pathphysiology, for her work suggesting that antiacid medication promotes type I allergies and Dr J. Gutermuth, Center for Allergy and Environment, Department of Dermatology, Technical University of Munich, for his work on intranasal DC vaccination against airborne allergens. Egon-Macher Award (Young Investigator Prize, sponsor: 3M): Dr D. Schrama, Department of Dermatology, University of Würzburg, for demonstrating a shift from systemic to site-specific memory by tumor-targeted IL-2 in the mouse model of B16-melanoma. Langerhans-Award for distinguished investigators within the ADF community (sponsor: BiogenIdec): Dr H. Jonuleit, Department of Dermatology, University of Mainz, for his work on the development and function of regulatory T cells and Professor S. Beissert, Department of Dermatology, University of Münster, for his contributions to analyzing the immunological mechanisms that underlie T cell-mediated skin inflammation. ADF Oncology Award (sponsor: Erwin and Irmgard Egner-Foundation): Professor A. Schneeberger, University of Vienna, for his contributions to the development of innovative vaccination strategies in melanoma therapy. The 2006 ADF Annual Meeting is held in Aachen, Germany, March 23–25, 2006. Besides the prizes listed above, as well as lavish poster and travel awards, two additional awards for outstanding translational research that exemplarily bridges the bench-to-bedside gap will be awarded on-site (sponsor: Dermatologikum, Hamburg). Details on the 2006 Annual Meeting and the ADF Awards, see http://www.adf-online.de The ADF Board of Directors wishes to honor, and to call attention to, selected outstanding papers of general interest that were recently published by ADF members (bold print) in high-ranking non-dermatological journals. Such highlights include, for example: Rupec R A, Jundt F, Rebholz B, Eckelt B, Weindl G, Herzinger T, Flaig M J, Moosmann S, Plewig G, Dorken B, Forster I, Huss R, Pfeffer K. 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Meller S, Winterberg F, Gilliet M, Mueller A, Lauceviciute I, Rieker J, Neumann N J, Kubitza R, Gombert M, Bunemann E, Wiesner U, Franken-Kunkel P, Kanzler H, Dieu-Nosjean R, Amara A, Ruzicka T, Lehmann P, Zlotnik A, Homey B. Ultraviolet radiation-induced injury, chemokines, and leukocyte recruitment: an amplification cycle triggering cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Arthritis Rheum 2005: 52: 1504–1516. Kriehuber E, Bauer W, Charbonnier A S, Winter D, Amatschek S, Tamandl D, Schweifer N, Stingl G, Maurer D. Balance between NF-kappaB and JNK/AP-1 activity controls dendritic cell life and death. Blood 2005: 106: 75–83. Kajiya K, Hirakawa S, Ma B, Drinnenberg I, Detmar M. Hepatocyte growth factor promotes lymphatic vessel formation and function. EMBO J 2005: 24: 2885–2895. Maurer M, Wedemeyer J, Metz M, Piliponsky A M, Weller K, Chatterjea D, Clouthier D E, Yanagisawa M M, Tsai M, Galli S J. Mast cells promote homeostasis by limiting endothelin-1-induced toxicity. Nature 2005: 432: 512–516. Zenz R, Eferl R, Kenner L, Florin L, Hummerich L, Mehic D, Scheuch H, Angel P, Tschachler E, Wagner E F. Psoriasis-like skin disease and arthritis caused by inducible epidermal deletion of Jun proteins. Nature 2005: 437: 369–375. Schön M P, Boehncke W H. Psoriasis. N Engl J Med 2005: 352: 1899–1912. Reich K, Nestle F O, Papp K, Ortonne J P, Evans R, Guzzo C, Li S, Dooley L T, Griffiths C E; EXPRESS study investigators. Infliximab induction and maintenance therapy for moderate-to-severe psoriasis: a phase III, multicentre, double-blind trial. Lancet 2005: 366: 1367–1374.