Single-cell RNA-seq reveals abnormal differentiation of keratinocytes and increased inflammatory differentiated keratinocytes in atopic dermatitis

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory skin disease characterized by severe pruritus and eczematous lesions. Heterogeneity of AD has been reported among different racial groups according to clinical, molecular, and genetic differences.

Objective: This study aimed to conduct an in-depth transcriptome analysis of AD in Chinese population.

Methods: We performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis of skin biopsies from 5 Chinese adult patients with chronic AD and from 4 healthy controls, combined with multiplexed immunohistochemical analysis in whole-tissue skin biopsies. We explored the functions of IL19 in vitro.

Results: ScRNA-seq analysis was able to profile a total of 87853 cells, with keratinocytes (KCs) in AD manifesting highly expressed keratinocyte activation and pro-inflammatory genes. KCs demonstrated a novel IL19⁺ IGFL1⁺ subpopulation that increased in AD lesions. Inflammatory cytokines IFNG, IL13, IL26, and IL22 were highly expressed in AD lesions. In vitro, IL19 directly down-regulated KRT10 and LOR in HaCaT cells and activated HaCaT cells to produce TSLP.

Conclusion: Abnormal proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes contribute immensely to the pathogenesis of AD, whereas AD chronic lesions have witnessed significant presence of IL19⁺ IGFL1⁺ KCs, which may be involved in the disruption of the skin barrier, the connection and magnification of Th2 and Th17 inflammatory responses, and mediation of skin pruritus. Furthermore, progressive activation of multiple immune axes dominated by type 2 inflammatory reaction occur in AD chronic lesions.