Background Mutations in filaggrin (FLG) are associated with atopic dermatitis (AD), and are presumed to provoke a barrier abnormality. Yet, additional acquired stressors may be necessary, since the same mutations can result in a non-inflammatory disorder, ichthyosis vulgaris. Objective We examined here whether FLG deficiency alone suffices to produce a barrier abnormality; the basis for the putative abnormality; and its pro-inflammatory consequences. Methods Using the flaky-tail (ft/ft) mouse, which lacks processed flg due to a frame-shift mutation in profilaggrin that mimics some mutations in human AD, we assessed whether FLG deficiency provokes a barrier abnormality; further localized the defect; identified its subcellular basis; and assessed thresholds to irritant and hapten-induced dermatitis. Results Flaky-tail mice exhibit low-grade inflammation, with increased bidirectional, paracellular permeability of water-soluble xenobiotes due to impaired lamellar body secretion and altered stratum corneum extracellular membranes. This barrier abnormality correlates with reduced inflammatory thresholds to both topical irritants and haptens. Moreover, when exposed repeatedly to topical haptens, at doses that produce no inflammation in +/+ mice, ft/ft mice develop a severe AD-like dermatosis, with a further deterioration in barrier function and features of a th2 immunophenotype (increased CRTH + inflammation, elevated serum IgE levels, and reduced antimicrobial peptide [mBD3] expression). Conclusions FLG deficiency alone provokes a paracellular barrier abnormality in mice that reduces inflammatory thresholds to topical irritants/haptens, likely accounting for enhanced antigen penetration in FLG-associated AD.

To determine whether pigment type determines differences in epidermal function, we studied stratum corneum (SC) pH, permeability barrier homeostasis, and SC integrity in three geographically disparate populations with pigment type I–II versus IV–V skin (Fitzpatrick I–VI scale). Type IV–V subjects showed: (i) lower surface pH (≈0.5 U); (ii) enhanced SC integrity (transepidermal water loss change with sequential tape strippings); and (iii) more rapid barrier recovery than type I–II subjects. Enhanced barrier function could be ascribed to increased epidermal lipid content, increased lamellar body production, and reduced acidity, leading to enhanced lipid processing. Compromised SC integrity in type I–II subjects could be ascribed to increased serine protease activity, resulting in accelerated desmoglein-1 (DSG-1)/corneodesmosome degradation. In contrast, DSG-1-positive CDs persisted in type IV–V subjects, but due to enhanced cathepsin-D activity, SC thickness did not increase. Adjustment of pH of type I–II SC to type IV–V levels improved epidermal function. Finally, dendrites from type IV–V melanocytes were more acidic than those from type I–II subjects, and they transfer more melanosomes to the SC, suggesting that melanosome secretion could contribute to the more acidic pH of type IV–V skin. These studies show marked pigment-type differences in epidermal structure and function that are pH driven.