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BMC Dermatology
Published in: BMC Dermatology 1/2013

Open Access 01-12-2013 | Research article

Toll-like receptor 2 activation and comedogenesis: implications for the pathogenesis of acne

Authors: Joanne Louise Selway, Tomasz Kurczab, Terence Kealey, Kenneth Langlands

Published in: BMC Dermatology | Issue 1/2013

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Abstract

Background

Acne is a common disorder of the human pilosebaceous unit, yet the mechanisms underlying hyperkeratinisation and subsequent inflammation (comedogenesis) remain to be determined, although cutaneous pathogens are implicated. Previously, it was reported that the release of the cytokine interleukin-1α (IL-1α) by keratinocytes of the sebaceous duct was pivotal in the life cycle of the comedone, mediating both its development and its spontaneous resolution. Toll-like receptors are a family of molecules that recognise pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) presented by microorganisms, initiating a signalling cascade terminating in the release of antimicrobial compounds and cytokines.

Methods

We used ex vivo sebaceous gland and primary monolayer keratinocyte culture, alongside ELISAs, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and RT-PCR to investigate the contribution of TLR activation to acne pathogenesis.

Results

We found TLR2 to be expressed in basal and infundibular keratinocytes, and sebaceous glands, and its activation provoked the release of IL-1α from primary human keratinocytes in vitro. The exposure of microdissected human sebaceous glands to PAMPs specific for TLR2 in vitro resulted in a pattern of IL-1α like cornification after seven days of exposure.

Conclusions

TLR activation and secretion of IL-1α from keratinocytes may be initiating steps in comedogenesis and, therefore, critical to the pathophysiology of acne.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Toll-like receptor 2 activation and comedogenesis: implications for the pathogenesis of acne
Authors
Joanne Louise Selway
Tomasz Kurczab
Terence Kealey
Kenneth Langlands
Publication date
01-12-2013
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Dermatology / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1471-5945
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-5945-13-10

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