CLIC1 acts as a compensatory protective molecule to regulate the vascular endothelial barrier integrity in cutaneous inflammation.

BACKGROUND

Vascular dysfunction is common in inflammatory skin disorders, but its regulation remains unclear.

METHODS

Through bioinformatics, we identified CLIC1 upregulation in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis endothelial cells. Using gain- and loss-of-function assays in endothelial cells, alongside transcriptomics, human skin biopsies, and an imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse model, we investigated CLIC1's functional role.

RESULTS

CLIC1 overexpression enhanced endothelial barrier integrity and reduced neutrophil transmigration, whereas CLIC1 knockdown had opposite effects. Mechanistically, CLIC1 regulated tight junction protein 2 (TJP2), which was required for its protective effect. Human lesions showed CLIC1 and TJP2 co-upregulation with TJP2 redistributing to reinforce the barrier. In vivo, CLIC1 overexpression ameliorated psoriasiform dermatitis.

CONCLUSION

CLIC1 acts as a compensatory barrier-protective molecule in inflamed endothelium and represents a potential therapeutic target for inflammatory skin disorders.