Loricrin and involucrin expression is down-regulated by Th2 cytokines through STAT-6

BE Kim, DYM Leung, M Boguniewicz, MD Howell - Clinical immunology, 2008 - Elsevier
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by a defective skin barrier which allows increased
allergen and pathogen penetration. Loricrin (LOR) and involucrin (IVL) are proteins
important for skin barrier formation and integrity. In this study, we demonstrate that the gene
and protein expression of LOR and IVL is significantly decreased in involved (LOR: p<
0.001; IVL: p< 0.001) and uninvolved (LOR: p< 0.001; IVL: p< 0.001) skin of AD subjects, as
compared to skin from healthy subjects. Using primary keratinocytes, we further demonstrate …