Nanovesicles from Malassezia sympodialis and Host Exosomes Induce Cytokine Responses – Novel Mechanisms for Host-Microbe Interactions in Atopic Eczema
2011

Nanovesicles from Malassezia sympodialis and Host Exosomes Induce Cytokine Responses in Atopic Eczema

Sample size: 16 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Gehrmann Ulf, Qazi Khaleda Rahman, Johansson Catharina, Hultenby Kjell, Karlsson Maria, Lundeberg Lena, Gabrielsson Susanne, Scheynius Annika

Primary Institution: Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

Hypothesis

M. sympodialis releases nanovesicles with immune modulating functions.

Conclusion

Extracellular vesicles from M. sympodialis and dendritic cells can contribute to cytokine responses in patients with atopic eczema.

Supporting Evidence

  • M. sympodialis releases extracellular vesicles carrying allergen.
  • These vesicles can induce IL-4 and TNF-α responses in PBMC.
  • IL-4 production was significantly higher in patients compared to healthy controls.
  • Exosomes from dendritic cells co-cultured with M. sympodialis also induced cytokine responses.
  • Plasma exosomes induced TNF-α but not IL-4 in PBMC.

Takeaway

The study found that tiny bubbles released by a yeast can make the immune system react more strongly in people with a skin condition called atopic eczema.

Methodology

The study used flow cytometry, sucrose gradient centrifugation, Western blot, and electron microscopy to analyze extracellular nanovesicles and their effects on PBMC.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the specific recruitment of patients and controls from a single geographic area.

Limitations

The study was limited by the small sample size and the specific population of patients from Stockholm.

Participant Demographics

The study included male atopic eczema patients and healthy controls from the Stockholm area.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0021480

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