Immune cells in the skin play a surprising role in allergies A new discovery led by New Zealand’s Malaghan Institute of Medical Research has shone a light on immune cells in the skin, suggesting they play a much larger role in the onset of allergies than first thought.
T
he research found that dendritic
skin behave differently to dendritic cells anywhere
potential threats in the body. One of these signals
else in the body, and what sets them apart might
is called IL-13, a molecule that is made when
just be what’s driving the formation of allergies
immune cells detect cellular damage caused by
— with the skin effectively ‘ground zero’ for the
allergens or parasite infections.
development of allergic conditions.
The release of IL-13 acts as a switch, alerting
cells in the skin behave differently from their
“This is the most important immunological
the immune system to the existence of a threat,
counterparts elsewhere in the body. This finding,
discovery to come out of New Zealand in the
which results in a cascade of responses that
published in the journal Nature Immunology,
past 20 years,” said Malaghan Institute Director
recruit immune cells to the site of infection so
throws into question the long-held belief
Professor Graham Le Gros. “It marks a milestone
the invading organisms can be destroyed before
that immune cells behave in the same way
in fundamental immunology which will have far-
they cause further damage. This is known as the
regardless of where they are in the body, which
reaching impacts in the design and development
inflammatory response.
has far-reaching implications for allergic and
of immunotherapies that target allergic and
inflammatory conditions.
inflammatory conditions.”
Until now, immunologists have assumed that IL-13 was only expressed when absolutely
“Historically, we’ve assumed that a dendritic
Advancements in technology have played a
necessary, as too much inflammation can be just
cell in the skin is virtually identical in form and
key role in this shift, with recent improvements
as harmful as too little. However, a few years ago
function as a dendritic cell in the lung,” said
in analytical techniques enabling scientists to
Prof Ronchese and her team observed something
Professor Franca Ronchese, whose team led the
determine the subtle but significant differences
strange: there seemed to be a constant presence
new research. “We’re only just realising that’s not
that exist between cells of the same type — and
of IL-13 in the skin but not anywhere else in the
the case, so in many ways we’re playing catch-up
for the development of allergies, these slight
body. It took several years of research to determine
in terms of our understanding and implications
differences might make all the difference.
that this wasn’t some random observation, but a
in disease.”
feature unique to immune cells in the skin — one
Same cells, different signals
with pressing implications in understanding why
important role in initiating and coordinating
Immune cells rely on unique chemical signals to
the skin is often implicated in the development
immune responses. Dendritic cells that live in the
inform them about whether and how to react to
of allergic conditions.
Dendritic cells act as ‘lookouts’ and play an
28 | LAB+LIFE SCIENTIST - Feb/Mar 2022
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