Differential phosphorylation of MAPK isoforms in keratinocyte cell line by contact allergens and irritant.

ABSTRACT Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is an important mediator of cellular signaling pathways. In an attempt to investigate the role of these kinases in contact allergen/irritant-induced signaling cascades, we have utilized keratinocyte (A431 cell line) as antigen presenting cells (APCs). This group has previously reported the applicability of A431 as an APC. The role of these kinases in the elicitation pathways of allergic contact dermatitis was investigated using interleukin-12p40 (IL-12p40) as a marker. Inhibitors of the isoforms of MAPK reduced the allergen-induced IL-12 release in the A431 cell line. This result suggests a possible role of the isoforms of MAPK in the development of contact allergy.