AbstractsBiology & Animal Science

IL-20, IL-22 and IL-24 are cytokines, which share common receptors including IL-22R subunit. We studied the role of these cytokines in two skin diseases: psoriasis and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). In a mouse model of psoriasis, we highlighted that IL-22 plays a detrimental role because it induces acanthosis, aberrant differentiation of keratinocytes and recruitment of neutrophils. We also observed that γδ T cells are the major source of IL-22 in skin-draining lymph nodes. We also found that IL-20, IL-22 and IL-24 mRNA levels were upregulated in the skin of patients who develop ACD to para-phenylenediamine (PPD), an allergen found in hair dyes. In a mouse model of PPD-induced ACD, we observed that IL-22 and IL-24 expression is increased and these cytokines play redundant roles. Our data indicate that cytokines acting via IL-22R play detrimental and redundant roles in skin diseases. (BIFA - Sciences biomédicales et pharmaceutiques)  – UCL, 2015