Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals dysregulated fibroblast subclusters
in prurigo nodularis
Abstract
Background: Prurigo nodularis (PN) is an intensely pruritic,
inflammatory skin disease with a poorly understood pathogenesis.
Methods: We performed single-cell transcriptomic profiling of
28,695 lesional and non-lesional PN cells. Results: Lesional PN
has increased dysregulated fibroblasts (FBs) and myofibroblasts. FBs in
lesional PN were shifted towards a cancer-associated fibroblast
(CAF)-like phenotype, with POSTN+WNT5A+ CAFs increased in PN, and
similarly so in squamous cell carcinoma. A multi-center cohort study
revealed an increased risk of SCC and CAF-associated malignancies
(breast and colorectal) in PN patients. Systemic fibroproliferative
diseases (renal sclerosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) were
upregulated in PN patients. Ligand receptor analyses demonstrated a
fibroblast neuronal axis with FB-derived WNT5A and periostin
interactions with neuronal receptors MCAM and ITGAV. Compared to atopic
dermatitis and psoriasis, mesenchymal dysregulation is unique to PN with
an intermediate Th2/Th17 phenotype. Conclusion: These findings
identify a pathogenic and targetable POSTN+WNT5A+ fibroblast
subpopulation that may predispose CAF-associated malignancies in PN
patients.