Minimal changes in the B- and T-cell compartments of school-aged
children with haploinsufficiency of filaggrin: The Generation R Study
Abstract
Background: Mutations in the filaggrin gene (FLG) affect epidermal
barrier function and increase the risk of atopic dermatitis (AD). We
hypothesized that FLG mutations affect immune cell composition in a
general pediatric population. Therefore, we investigated if school-aged
children with and without FLG mutations have differences in immune cell
numbers. Methods: This study was embedded in a population-based
prospective cohort study, the Generation R Study, and included 523
children of European genetic ancestry aged 10 years. The most common FLG
mutations in the European population (R501X, S1085CfsX36, R2447X and
S3247X) were genotyped. Additionally, 11-color flow cytometry was
performed on peripheral blood samples to determine helper T (Th),
regulatory T (Treg) and CD27+ and CD27- memory B cells. Sensitivity
analysis was performed in 102 AD cases, assessed by parental
questionnaires. Results: FLG mutations were observed in 8.4% of the
total population and in 15.7% of the AD cases. Children with any FLG
mutation had higher Th22 cell numbers compared to FLG wild-type
children. Children with and without FLG mutations had no difference in
Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg or memory B cell numbers. Furthermore, in children
with AD, FLG mutation carriership was not associated with differences in
T- and B-cells or their subsets. Conclusions: School-aged children with
FLG mutations have higher Th22 cell, which might suggest an
immunological defense mechanism to an altered skin barrier function. No
associations between Th or Treg cells and FLG mutations suggests that
FLG mutations do not otherwise affect immune composition in a general
pediatric population.