Effect of skin-derived antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin LL-37 on the regulation of skin barrier function

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26461703
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Dermatology
• Research Institution: Juntendo University
• Principal Investigator: NIYONSABA Francois 順天堂大学, 医学(系)研究科(研究院), 先任准教授 (60365640)
• Research Collaborator: AKIYAMA Toshihiro ; KIATSURAYANON Chanisa ; UMEHARA Yoshie ; SMITHRITHEE Rithee ; IKEDA Shigaku ; OKUMURA Ko ; OGAWA Hideoki
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: ケラチノサイト / 抗菌物質 / タイトジャンクション / 皮膚免疫 / アトピー性皮膚炎 / 痒み / 炎症

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we evaluated the effects of LL-37 on regulation of keratinocyte tight junction (TJ) barrier function. We found that LL-37 increased the expression of TJ proteins and keratinocyte differentiation markers, and markedly strengthened the TJ barrier function via Rac1, atypical protein kinase C, glycogen synthase kinase-3 and PI3 kinase pathways. Similar to LL-37, humanβ-defensin-3 also enhanced the TJ barrier function. In addition, LL-37 induced the expression of semaphorin 3A, an itch inhibitor, implying LL-37 possible application to pruritus. Taken together, our findings that LL-37 andβ-defensin-3 enhance TJ barrier function, inhibit itch and inflammation suggest the potential use of skin-derived antimicrobial peptides for the understanding atopic dermatitis pathological mechanism and treatment.

Free Research Field

皮膚免疫学