A protective Langerhans cell-keratinocyte axis that is dysfunctional in photosensitivity Journal Article


Authors: Shipman, W. D.; Chyou, S.; Ramanathan, A.; Izmirly, P. M.; Sharma, S.; Pannellini, T.; Dasoveanu, D. C.; Qing, X.; Magro, C. M.; Granstein, R. D.; Lowes, M. A.; Pamer, E. G.; Kaplan, D. H.; Salmon, J. E.; Mehrara, B. J.; Young, J. W.; Clancy, R. M.; Blobel, C. P.; Lu, T. T.
Article Title: A protective Langerhans cell-keratinocyte axis that is dysfunctional in photosensitivity
Abstract: Photosensitivity, or skin sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), is a feature of lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune and dermatologic conditions, but the mechanistic underpinnings are poorly understood. We identify a Langerhans cell (LC) keratinocyte axis that limits UVR-induced keratinocyte apoptosis and skin injury via keratinocyte epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) stimulation. We show that the absence of LCs in Langerin diphtheria toxin subunit A (DTA) mice leads to photosensitivity and that, in vitro, mouse and human LCs can directly protect keratinocytes from UVR-induced apoptosis. LCs express EGFR ligands and a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17), the metalloprotease that activates EGFR ligands. Deletion of ADAM17 from LCs leads to photosensitivity, and UVR induces LC ADAM17 activation and generation of soluble active EGFR ligands, suggesting that LCs protect by providing activated EGFR ligands to keratinocytes. Photosensitive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) models and human SLE skin show reduced epidermal EGFR phosphorylation and LC defects, and a topical EGFR ligand reduces photosensitivity. Together, our data establish a direct tissue-protective function for LCs, reveal a mechanistic basis for photosensitivity, and suggest EGFR stimulation as a treatment for photosensitivity in lupus erythematosus and potentially other autoimmune and dermatologic conditions. © 2018 The Authors.
Journal Title: Science Translational Medicine
Volume: 10
Issue: 454
ISSN: 1946-6234
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science  
Date Published: 2018-08-15
Start Page: eaap9527
Language: English
DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aap9527
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 30111646
PMCID: PMC6365282
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 1 October 2018 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Eric Pamer
    283 Pamer
  2. Babak Mehrara
    454 Mehrara
  3. James W Young
    319 Young
  4. Sneh   Sharma
    12 Sharma