Type I IFNs at the interface between cutaneous immunity and epidermal remodeling

J Invest Dermatol. 2012 Jul;132(7):1759-62. doi: 10.1038/jid.2012.149.

Abstract

Type I IFNs are key cytokines in antiviral host defense. Preferentially expressed by plasmacytoid dendritic cells, type I IFNs are induced by viral infection and in common skin wounds. In this issue, Tohyama et al. identify a new link between type I IFNs and epidermal remodeling, by showing that type I IFNs specifically upregulate IL-22R expression on keratinocytes and, thereby, IL-22-mediated Stat3 phosphorylation in keratinocytes. The findings suggest that type I IFNs play dual roles in human skin: first, they induce immune activation with the induction of IL-22-producing T cells; second, they provide the interface between immune activation and epidermal remodeling by increasing keratinocyte responsiveness to IL-22.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Interferon-alpha / pharmacology*
  • Keratinocytes / drug effects*
  • Psoriasis / etiology*
  • Receptors, Interleukin / genetics*

Substances

  • Interferon-alpha
  • Receptors, Interleukin
  • interleukin-22 receptor