Transforming growth factor‐bβ1 suppresses atopic dermatitis‐like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice

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