55-kd tumor necrosis factor receptor is expressed by human keratinocytes and plays a pivotal role in regulation of human keratinocyte ICAM-1 expression.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) is a potent modulator of human keratinocyte intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression. TNF alpha is known to exert its biologic effects by binding to specific cell-surface receptors. Two distinct TNF binding molecules, the 55-kd and the 75-kd TNF receptor (TNFR) recently have been found to be expressed by human cells. These two receptor types are independently regulated and differ markedly in their intracellular regions, indicating functional dichotomy. In order to gain further insight into the mechanisms underlying ICAM-1 regulation in human keratinocytes, in the present study, the receptor molecules mediating TNF alpha induced ICAM-1 upregulation in human keratinocytes was defined. Human keratinocyte TNFR expression was assessed using monoclonal antibodies that specifically recognize the 55-kd or the 75-kd TNFR. Using FACS analysis, normal (HNK) as well as transformed (KB) human keratinocytes were found to react with anti-55-kd TNFR, but not anti-75-kd TNFR antibodies. These immunofluorescence data were confirmed by Northern blot analysis revealing clearly detectable amounts of mRNA specific for the 55-kd TNFR in KB cells. Incubation of human keratinocytes with anti-55-kd TNFR antibodies at 37 degrees C for 24 h increased ICAM-1 expression in a TNF alpha-like fashion. Moreover, the well known synergistic effect of IFN gamma plus TNF alpha on keratinocyte ICAM-1 induction could be mimicked by stimulation of cells with IFN gamma plus anti-55-kd TNFR antibodies. Synergistic ICAM-1 induction was not associated with increased expression of the 55-kd TNFR in IFN gamma-stimulated human keratinocytes. These studies indicate that human keratinocytes express the 55-kd TNF receptor and that this surface molecule may play an important role in regulation of human keratinocyte ICAM-1 expression.