Increased Interleukin-19 Expression in Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma and Atopic Dermatitis

Interleukin-19 (IL-19), a pro-inflammatory cytokine known to stimulate the production of T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines, is induced by IL-17A and highly expressed in the lesional skin of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (AD). This aim of this study was to investigate whether IL-19 is involved in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and AD. IL-19 levels were significantly higher in the sera of patients with AD and those with advanced-stage CTCL than in normal controls, correlating significantly with clinical disease markers. IL-19 mRNA levels in lesional skin of both diseases were significantly elevated. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that IL-19 was expressed in the epidermis of AD skin and CTCL skin. In vitro, IL-17A and IL-4 increased IL-19 mRNA expression in human keratinocytes. Thus, IL-19 was increased in the sera and skin of AD and CTCL. These results suggest that IL-19 is important for bridging Th17 to Th2 in these diseases.