Superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin B induces release of IL-1 beta in human epidermis

Lesional skin in patients with inflammatory skin diseases is often colonize d with Staphylococcus aureus, which is capable of releasing superantigens. We therefore studied whether application of superantigen on the skin led to release of cytokines, especially IL-1 beta. Suction blisters were raised o n vehicle- and superantigen-treated skin and IL-1 beta protein levels measu red in suction blister fluid and supernatant from blister roofs. In all vol unteers studied, application of the superantigen Staphylococcal enterotoxin B led to increased release of IL-1 beta protein from suction blister roofs (n=7). In contrast, we did not detect any difference in IL-1 beta in the b lister fluid (n=5). IL-1 beta is known as a mediator of inflammation, and t he increase in IL-1 beta may be involved in the aggravation of inflammatory skin diseases seen following Staphylococcus aureus colonization.