Hand eczema (HE) is a highly prevalent, often multifactorial and potentially debilitating skin disease. Few studies have investigated subtype-specific biomarkers, and no studies have so far investigated the proteome of HE using tape strips. Here, we assessed the protein expression in subtypes of HE using two consecutive tape strips. Tape strips were collected from lesional and non-lesional skin of patients with HE (n=34) and healthy skin of age-matched controls (n=13). Patients with HE included both patients with (n=16) and without atopic dermatitis (AD) (n=18). Mass spectrometry-based proteomic analyses were performed using data-independent acquisition, and the protein expression was analysed. We identified 2,919 proteins. The global protein differences included an increased expression of immune-related markers such as the alarmins KRT6A, KRT16 and KRT17 and a decreased expression of FLG2 and the antimicrobial peptide DCD for lesional skin. Though the difference between HE subtypes was restricted to the lesional skin areas, the difference between non-lesional and healthy skin showed a general skin barrier impairment of HE patients including a higher expression of IL-18 and a lower expression of FLG in non-lesional skin. The difference between HE subtypes included an increased expression of FLG2 and LOR, independently of concurrent AD, and a lower expression of KRT16 for HE patients with AD. This method can be used independently of localization on the hands and shows potential for assessing the proteomic differences between subtypes of HE.

ESDR080 - The proteome of hand eczema assessed by tape stripping

The scientific meeting of the European Society for Dermatological Research (ESDR) is held yearly, usually in September. With an international attendance of more than 1000 skin scientists from around the globe, the four-day event includes short oral presentations from peer-reviewed abstracts, keynote lectures from international experts, sponsored symposia, satellite programs, educational events as well as an important focus on posters, networking and building collaborations amongst scientists. For more information about this year’s meeting visit our website.