Dermal adipocytes protect against invasive Staphylococcus aureus skin infection

L Zhang, CF Guerrero-Juarez, T Hata, SP Bapat… - Science, 2015 - science.org
L Zhang, CF Guerrero-Juarez, T Hata, SP Bapat, R Ramos, MV Plikus, RL Gallo
Science, 2015science.org
Adipocytes have been suggested to be immunologically active, but their role in host defense
is unclear. We observed rapid proliferation of preadipocytes and expansion of the dermal fat
layer after infection of the skin by Staphylococcus aureus. Impaired adipogenesis resulted in
increased infection as seen in Zfp423nur12 mice or in mice given inhibitors of peroxisome
proliferator–activated receptor γ. This host defense function was mediated through the
production of cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide from adipocytes because cathelicidin …
Adipocytes have been suggested to be immunologically active, but their role in host defense is unclear. We observed rapid proliferation of preadipocytes and expansion of the dermal fat layer after infection of the skin by Staphylococcus aureus. Impaired adipogenesis resulted in increased infection as seen in Zfp423nur12 mice or in mice given inhibitors of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ. This host defense function was mediated through the production of cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide from adipocytes because cathelicidin expression was decreased by inhibition of adipogenesis, and adipocytes from Camp−/− mice lost the capacity to inhibit bacterial growth. Together, these findings show that the production of an antimicrobial peptide by adipocytes is an important element for protection against S. aureus infection of the skin.
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