Human β defensin-1 and -2 expression in human pilosebaceous units: upregulation in acne vulgaris lesions

Chronnell, Catherine M. T., Ghali, Lucy ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3410-6615, Ali, Rozina S., Quinn, Anthony G., Holland, Diana B., Bull, Jonathan J., Cunliffe, William J., McKay, Ian A., Philpott, Michael P. and Müller-Röver, Sven (2001) Human β defensin-1 and -2 expression in human pilosebaceous units: upregulation in acne vulgaris lesions. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 117 (5) . pp. 1120-1125. ISSN 0022-202X [Article] (doi:10.1046/j.0022-202x.2001.01569.x)

Abstract

A rich residential microflora is harboured by the distal outer root sheath of the hair follicle and the hair canal – normally without causing skin diseases. Although the basic mechanisms involved in the development of inflammation during acne vulgaris remain unclear, microbial agents might play an important role in this process. In this study we have analyzed by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry the expression patterns of two antimicrobial peptides, human β defensin-1 and human β defensin-2, in healthy human hair follicles as well as in perilesional and intralesional skin of acne vulgaris lesions such as comedones, papules, and pustules. Strong defensin-1 and defensin-2 immunoreactivity was found in all suprabasal layers of the epidermis, the distal outer root sheath of the hair follicle, and the pilosebaceous duct. Marked defensin-1 and defensin-2 immunoreactivity was also found in the sebaceous gland and in the basal layer of the central outer root sheath including the bulge region. The majority of acne biopsies displayed a marked upregulation of defensin-2 immunoreactivity in the lesional and perilesional epithelium – in particular in pustules – and a less marked upregulation of defensin-1 immunoreactivity. The upregulation of β -defensin expression in acne vulgaris lesions compared to controls suggests that β -defensins may be involved in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris.

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