Unique molecular signatures typify skin inflammation induced by chemical allergens and irritants

A transcriptomic comparative analysis was performed to explore and characterize the molecular signatures of chemical-induced skin inflammation, in order to identify biomarkers that could discriminate allergic from irritant contact dermatitis. Skin biopsy samples from 47 patients with positive patch tests to reference allergens (nickel, n=10; MI, n=6; linalool hydroperoxide, n=10, amoxicillin, n=6; acetazolamide, n=1; piperacillin/tazobactam, n=1; Methylisothiazolinone n=6) or irritants (SLS, n=11; nonanoic acid, n=4; cantharidin, n=7) were collected. Control areas including non-lesional skin or vehicle (petrolatum or isopropanol) patch-tested skin were also collected from the same patients. All these samples were analysed by gene microarray.