Superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin B induces release of IL-1β in human epidermis

Lesional skin in patients with inflammatory skin diseases is often colonized with Staphylococcus aureus, which is capable of releasing superantigens. We therefore studied whether application of superantigen on the skin led to release of cytokines, especially IL-1 beta. Suction blisters were raised on vehicle- and superantigen-treated skin and IL-1 beta protein levels measured in suction blister fluid and supernatant from blister roofs. In all volunteers studied, application of the superantigen Staphylococcal enterotoxin B led to increased release of IL-1 beta protein from suction blister roofs (n=7). In contrast, we did not detect any difference in IL-1 beta in the blister fluid (n=5). IL-1 beta is known as a mediator of inflammation, and the increase in IL-1 beta may be involved in the aggravation of inflammatory skin diseases seen following Staphylococcus aureus colonization.