Abstract
Many attempts have been made to develop in vitro sensitization tests that employ dendritic cells (DCs), DC-like cell lines or keratinocytes. The aim of the present investigation was to establish a co-culture of THP-1 cells and keratinocytes for evaluation of skin sensitization potential of chemicals. Co-cultures were constructed by THP-1 cells cultured in lower compartments and keratinocytes cultured in upper compartments of cell culture inserts. After 24 h exposure to sensitizers (2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene, p-phenylenediamine, formaldehyde, nickel sulfate, isoeugenol and eugenol) and non-sensitizers (sodium lauryl sulfate, benzalkonium chloride and lactic acid), the expression of CD86 and CD54 on THP-1 cells were evaluated by flow cytometry, and cell viabilities were determined. The sensitizers induced the augmentation of CD86 and CD54 expression, but the non-sensitizers had no significant effect. Compared with mono-cultures of THP-1 cells, the augmentation of CD86 and CD54 could be detected even at a non-toxic concentration of sensitizers in THP-1 cell/keratinocyte co-cultures. Moreover, isoeugenol was distinguished as a sensitizer in co-cultures, but failed to be identified in mono-cultures. These results revealed that the co-cultures of THP-1 cells and keratinocytes were successfully established and suitable for identifying sensitizers using CD86 and CD54 expression as identification markers.
Notice of Correction
The Early Online version of this article published online ahead of print on 13 July 2011 contained an error on page 4. Table 1 had duplicated content. This has been corrected for the current version.