Enhanced Siglec-8 and HLA-DR and reduced CRTH2 surface expression highlight a distinct phenotypic signature of circulating eosinophils in atopic dermatitis.

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis and other type 2 immune response diseases are often linked to elevated eosinophil levels in the blood. Although the role of eosinophils in atopic dermatitis pathophysiology is suspected, it remains unclear. The development of new treatments targeting the type 2 response, particularly cytokines involved in eosinophil activation and chemotaxis, makes it necessary to identify potential eosinophil profiles in atopic dermatitis that may respond to these treatments. A prospective study was conducted comparing blood eosinophil phenotypes in patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (n = 19) without recent systemic treatment to healthy individuals (n = 19). The primary outcome was the membranous phenotypic signature of eosinophils, assessed by flow cytometry. Most patients with atopic dermatitis (84%) had early onset in childhood, a severe disease (mean SCORing Atopic Dermatitis of 57.5), and elevated blood eosinophil counts (310 per µL in atopic dermatitis vs 120 in healthy individuals, P < 0.0001). Patients with atopic dermatitis exhibited lower CRTH2 on eosinophils but higher levels of human leukocyte antigen-DR isotype and Siglec-8 compared to healthy individuals. Other surface proteins showed no significant differences. Clustering analysis confirmed increased Siglec-8 in patients with atopic dermatitis. Additionally, patients with atopic dermatitis had higher serum levels of type 2 immune response markers such as eotaxin-2, IL-5, IL-3, and TARC. Circulating eosinophils in patients with atopic dermatitis show a distinct phenotypic profile, suggesting a role in atopic dermatitis pathophysiology and potential involvement in differential treatment responses.