Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of neuro-immune interaction in Candida albicans-induced itch mouse model

Abstract

“Itch-scratch cycle” is a debilitating feature that underlies a range of inflammatory dermatoses. Recently, skin has been recognized as a complex barrier organ capable of synchronizing neuronal and immune cells’ activation in response to microbiota. Candida albicans is a commensal fungus asymptomatically colonizing human barrier tissues including skin. It has been known that any skin barrier dysfunction leads to increased fungal load and subsequent activation of TH17 cells. However, the precise mechanisms of pruritis in C. albicans skin infection are yet to be discovered. Therefore, in this study we aimed to establish a murine model of C. albicans skin infection and assess itch behavioral phenotype. Type 2 immune response is a well-known mechanism in mediating itch sensation. To explore the precise mechanisms of pruritis and involvement of Type 2 immune response in C. albicans-induced itch mouse model, we performed single cell RNA sequence analysis of mouse skin and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cell-cell interaction. Thus, this research aims to be one of the initial studies contributing to exploration of mechanisms underlying C.albicans-induced itch sensation via single cell transcriptomic approach.