A canine keratinocyte cell line expresses antimicrobial peptide and cytokine genes upon stimulation with bacteria, microbial ligands and recombinant cytokines

Publication date: Available online 13 November 2018Source: Veterinary Immunology and ImmunopathologyAuthor(s): Suttiwee Chermprapai, Femke Broere, Yvette M. Schlotter, Edwin J.A. Veldhuizen, Victor P.M.G. RuttenAbstractKeratinocytes (KC) are the main cellular components of the stratum corneum that constitutes a solid physical skin barrier representing the first line of defense against pathogens. Moreover, KC are potent producers of inflammatory mediators and antimicrobial peptides (AMP) when activated through their pattern recognition receptors. In atopic dermatitis (AD) the protective skin barrier may be compromised due to barrier disruption, secondary infection and accelerated secretion of inflammatory cytokines which may also affect AMP expression in the skin. In the present study, we addressed the responses of a canine KC cell line upon exposure to Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, typically found on canine atopic skin during secondary infections, and stimulation by individual AD-associated ligands and cytokines. All stimuli induced a significant increase in expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine genes tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-8, but with different kinetics. Limited effects were observed on AMP gene expression except for K9CATH which was significantly upregulated upon bacterial infection but with none of the individual AD-associated ligands. Interestingly, K9CATH possessed antimicrobial activity towards Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, indic...
Source: Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology - Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research