RNase 7 Promotes Sensing of Self-DNA by Human Keratinocytes and Activates an Antiviral Immune Response.

RNase 7 is one of the major antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) secreted by keratinocytes. The AMPs human beta defensin 2 and LL-37 promote the toll-like receptor 9-mediated activation of human plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) by human self-DNA; however, whether keratinocytes respond in a similar way has not yet been addressed. Keratinocytes express several receptors for the detection of cytosolic DNA.

RNase 7 Strongly Promotes TLR9-Mediated DNA Sensing by Human Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells.

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) were described to accumulate in the skin of patients with psoriasis and to be recruited into the dermis upon allergen challenge in atopic dermatitis. Activation of pDCs in the skin has been identified as an important initiator of psoriasis development. Ribonuclease (RNase) 7 is one of the major antimicrobial peptides secreted by keratinocytes and is expressed in significantly higher amounts in lesional skin of patients with atopic dermatitis or psoriasis than in healthy individuals.