Professor Dr. med. Eggert Stockfleth

Apoptoseinduktion durch Toll-like-Rezeptoren-7-Agonisten bei Keratinozyten und Fibroblasten in der Gewebekultur

Klinik für Dermatologie, Universitätsklinikum Charité, Berlin
unter Mitarbeit von Thomas Meyer, IPM Hamburg



Toll like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonists represent a new group of immune response modifiers including imiquimod and resiquimod (R-848). Topically applied imiquimod was used for the treament of both genital warts and benign and malignant epithelial lesions.

Based on the induction of interferons and other cytokines in vitro and in vivo, regression of epithelial lesions probably depends on induction of both innate and cellular immune responses. Since clinical remission is not always associated with inflammation, other mechanisms may also be involved.

Using two different assays for detection of apoptosis (TUNEL test and gel analysis of DNA fragmentation), we observed induction of apoptosis by imiquimod in human epithelial cell lines (HeLa S3) and keratinocytes (HaCaT, A431 cells), as well as in mouse fibroblasts (McCoy cells). These findings suggest that the mode of action of imiquimod to eliminate virus infected, dysplastic or neoplastic epithelial cells may also include the induction of apoptotic processes.

Professor Dr. med. Eggert Stockfleth


Fotos: GD Gesellschaft für Dermopharmazie

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