DLX3-Dependent STAT3 Signaling in Keratinocytes Regulates Skin Immune Homeostasis.

Epidermal-specific deletion of the homeobox transcription regulator DLX3 disrupts keratinocyte differentiation and results in an IL-17-linked psoriasis-like skin inflammation. To identify the epidermal initiating signals produced by DLX3-null keratinocytes, we performed acute deletion of DLX3 in adult epidermis using a tamoxifen-inducible Krt14-cre/ERT system. K14CreERT;DLX3^fl/fl skin exhibited dysregulated expression of differentiation-associated genes, upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, and accumulation of Langerhans cells and macrophages within 3 days of tamoxifen-induced DLX3 ablation. We also observed increased accumulation of IL-17A-secreting Vγ4 γδ T cells and heightened levels of IL-17 and IL-36 family of cytokines starting 1 week after DLX3 deletion. Interestingly, transcriptome profiling of K14CreERT;DLX3^fl/fl epidermis at 3 days identified activated as a transcriptional regulator and revealed differential expression of duanyu18133 signaling-related genes. Furthermore, activation of duanyu18133 was strongly increased in K14CreERT;DLX3^fl/fl skin, and topical treatment with an inhibitor of duanyu18133 activation attenuated the immune phenotype. RNA-seq analysis of vehicle and duanyu18133 inhibitor treated K14CreERT;DLX3^fl/fl skin identified differentially expressed genes associated with inhibition of leukocyte infiltration. Collectively, our results show that DLX3 is a critical regulator of duanyu18133 signaling network that maintains skin homeostasis.

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