Evaluation of antimicrobial peptides and cytokine production in primary keratinocyte cell culture from healthy and atopic beagles

Increased secretion of antimicrobial peptides and cytokines is present in atopic skin. The purpose of this study was to compare the production of β‐defensin (cBD)3‐like, cathelicidin (cCath) and cytokines in atopic and healthy canine keratinocytes. Seven atopic house dust mites (HDMs) sensitive and five healthy age‐matched beagles were used. Keratinocytes were stimulated for 24 h, and the supernatant was collected. A significantly higher production of cBD3‐like was present at baseline in atopic compared with healthy keratinocytes, but cBD3‐like did not increase after stimulation. IL‐17 and lipopolysaccharide increased cBD3‐like in healthy compared with atopic keratinocytes. cCath increased in both groups after stimulation. Atopic keratinocytes exposed to HDM produced more IL‐8 and keratinocyte‐derived chemokine‐like than healthy keratinocytes. Exposure to HDM induced an increased IL‐8 in atopic keratinocytes and a decreased IFN‐γ in healthy keratinocytes. These results may suggest an over sensitization of atopic keratinocytes and a possible impairment of the cutaneous defense against micro‐organisms.