Transforming growth factor-bβ1 suppresses atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice.

Background Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory disorder characterized by pruritic and eczematous skin lesions. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β₁ has been implicated in the suppression of inflammatory responses. Objective The purpose of this study is to determine whether TGF-β₁ suppresses skin lesions in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis. Methods We used the NC/Nga strain of mice as an in vivo model of atopic dermatitis. The effects of exogenous TGF-β₁ on atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice were evaluated clinically, histologically and immunologically. Results Subcutaneous injection of recombinant TGF-β₁ macroscopically suppressed eczematous skin lesions in NC/Nga mice associated with reduced serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. Histological analysis showed that TGF-β₁ significantly inhibited the infiltration of inflammatory cells such as mast cells and eosinophils into the skin of NC/Nga mice. Spontaneous interferon (IFN)-γ production from splenocytes of NC/Nga mice was down-regulated by the treatment with TGF-β₁ and neutralizing antibody against IFN-γ inhibited skin lesions in NC/Nga mice. The inhibitory effect of TGF-β₁ on the skin lesions lasted at least 1 week after cessation of the treatment. Conclusion These findings indicate that TGF-β₁ suppressed atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice at least in part through down-regulation of IFN-γ. These results suggest that TGF-β₁ may have a therapeutic potential for atopic dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]