Downregulation of SHANK-associated RH domain-interacting protein elevates interleukin-33 expression by stimulating the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription signalling pathway in HaCaT cells

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease in which T-helper type 2 (Th2) immune responses are dominant. SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains (SHANK)-associated RH domain-interacting protein (SHARPIN) is expressed at low levels in AD, resulting in the upregulation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 protein and the Th2 cytokine, interleukin (IL)-33. However, the roles of SHARPIN in AD are not yet fully elucidated.

Aim: To evaluate the signalling interactions of SHARPIN and IL-33 in order to improve understanding of AD pathogenesis.

Methods: Western blotting was used to detect the Janus kinase (JAK)/STAT signalling proteins and IL-33 protein in HaCaT cells to determine the key proteins mediating the interaction between SHARPIN and IL-33. The findings were validated by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were used to evaluate the activity of STAT3 at the IL-33 promoter.

Results: We found that phosphorylated (p)JAK2 and pSTAT3 were upregulated in SHARPIN-knockdown HaCaT cells. Subsequent chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that STAT3 binds to the IL-33 promoter to mediate IL-33 expression. Moreover, SHARPIN-mediated expression of IL-33 was reduced after treatment of HaCaT cells with the JAK/STAT Inhibitor ruxolitinib. STAT3 and IL-33 expression levels were higher in AD skin lesion tissues than in normal skin tissues.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that SHARPIN modulates inflammation in HaCaT cells by inhibiting JAK/STAT signalling, supporting the application of SHARPIN as a potential therapeutic target for AD.