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