B type natriuretic peptide (BNP) has emerged as a central signaling molecule in itch transduction, first identified in this context as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system ,but lately also in the epidermal compartment as a paracrine mediator. Pruritus is the most common symptom in dermatology and is especially common in chronic inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, prurigo nodularis and psoriasis, where BNP levels have also been reported to be increased. Its action on nerves is increasingly well documented, but little is known about its effect on the immune cells in the skin. Specifically, its effect on Langerhans cells (LCs), the sole professional antigen presenting cell population in the steady state in the epidermis, has not been investigated. As LCs are commonly found to be associated with nerve endings in the epidermis, in our current experiments we aimed at uncovering the effect of BNP on human monocyte-derived LCs using RNASeq. Our previous results showed that LCs express the BNP receptor NPR1, and that activation of this receptor stimulates the expression of CD207 (Langerin) on these cells. RNASeq analysis of BNP treated LCs showed that relatively few biological processes were upregulated (Positive regulation of T cell activation, Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, Dendritic spine, Calcium channel complex, Regulation of T cell tolerance), and only one was downregulated (Cell-cell junction organization). We contrasted this to LCs activated by the TLR7/8 synthetic agonist CL075, which showed a more inflammatory profile (upregulated pathways: IL-4 and IL-13 signaling, IL-10 signaling; downregulated pathways: Macrophage migration, Dendritic spine). Based on these results BNP might be a counterbalance to more classical inflammatory stimuli.

ESDR364 - The neuropeptide B type natriuretic peptide (BNP) induces limited activation of human monocyte-derived Langerhans cells

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.