Scalp seborrheic dermatitis demonstrates a skewing of Th1 activation: a proteomic study in lesional skin

Introduction Scalp seborrheic dermatitis (SSD) is a common, chronic inflammatory skin disease. Its pathogenesis and immunological features have been poorly studied. Objective To elucidate the molecular profile of adult patients with SSD in lesional scalps. Methods Using punch biopsies, we assessed 92 inflammatory biomarkers in the lesional scalps of SSD patients (n=16) and demographically matched healthy controls (HCs; n=12) via Olink high-throughput proteomics. Results We identified 16 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between lesional scalps of patients with SSD and those of HCs. SSD lesional scalps demonstrated significantly greater expressions of proteins related to T-cell/lymphocyte activation, the cytokine storm signaling pathway and the CGAS-STING signaling pathway. Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) highlighted Th1 skewing. These data suggest that SSD is associated with Th1 skewing and the dysregulation of lipid metabolism. Conclusion These analyses provide a rationale for novel treatment approaches for SSD patients, mainly those targeting Th1 pathways.