Effects of two novel cationic staphylococcal proteins (NP-tase and p70) and enterotoxin B on IgE synthesis and interleukin-4 and interferon-gamma production in patients with atopic dermatitis

We have characterized the cell-mediated and humoral immune response of pati ents with atopic dermatitis (AD) and healthy controls in response to two no vel staphylococcal antigens (NP-tase, p70) and the superantigen staphylococ cal enterotoxin B (SEB). The parameters studied were IgE, interleukin (IL)- 4 and interferon (IFN)-gamma synthesis by peripheral blood mononuclear cell s (PBMC) after stimulation with NP-tase. p70 and SEE ill vitro. Both antige ns, as well as SEE, induced IL-4 and IFN-gamma secretion in patients and co ntrols. However, patients with AD showed a significantly diminished IFN-gam ma production in response to NP-tase or SER. Furthermore, we demonstrated a good correlation between antigen-stimulated IgE production and the IL-4/IF N-gamma ratio in vitro. A distinct subgroup of PBMC showed impaired IFN-gam ma synthesis and enhanced IL-4 secretion after incubation with p70 or NP-ta se. These data support evidence that a subgroup of patients with AD. synthe sizing low levels of IFN-gamma after stimulation with staphylococcal antige ns. may have impaired abilities to clear Staphylococcus aureus colonization . Persistent staphylococcal antigens could then be responsible for inflamma tory and allergic skin reactions in patients with AD. We therefore conclude that, besides superantigens. staphylococcal antigens may also play a part in the pathogenesis of AD.