Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal

08/03/2018

by Science Editor

This ground breaking study into Macrophages determined the identity, origin, and dynamics of the skin myeloid cells that capture and retain tattoo pigment particles. We showed that they are exclusively made of dermal macrophages. Using the possibility to delete them, we further demonstrated that tattoo pigment particles can undergo successive cycles of capture–release–recapture without any tattoo vanishing.

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Title:	Unveiling skin macrophage dynamics explains both tattoo persistence and strenuous removal.
Abstract:	The authors: "describe a new mouse model that exploits the pattern of expression of the high-affinity IgG receptor (CD64) and allows diphtheria toxin (DT)-mediated ablation of tissue-resident macrophages and monocyte-derived cells. We found that the myeloid cells of the ear skin dermis are dominated by DT-sensitive, melanin-laden cells that have been missed in previous studies and correspond to macrophages that have ingested melanosomes from neighbouring melanocytes. Those cells have been referred to as melanophages in humans. We also identified melanophages in melanocytic melanoma. Benefiting of our knowledge on melanophage dynamics, we determined the identity, origin, and dynamics of the skin myeloid cells that capture and retain tattoo pigment particles. We showed that they are exclusively made of dermal macrophages. Using the possibility to delete them, we further demonstrated that tattoo pigment particles can undergo successive cycles of capture-release-recapture without any tattoo vanishing. Therefore, congruent with dermal macrophage dynamics, long-term tattoo persistence likely relies on macrophage renewal rather than on macrophage longevity".
Industry Significance Rating:	Groundbreaking research - providing a significant advancement in industry knowledge base.
Publication:	Journal of Experimental Medicine. 2018 Mar 6. pii: jem.20171608.
Authors:	Baranska A, Shawket A, Jouve M, Baratin M, Malosse C, Voluzan O, Vu Manh TP, Fiore F, Bajénoff M, Benaroch P, Dalod M, Malissen M Henri S, Malissen B.
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Discussion:	This publication is recommended reading for all industry members as it provides a significant advancement in the understanding of the mechanism that contributes to the stability and lifespan of tattoo pigment within the skin. Some previous studies have postulated that macrophages that have phagocytosed tattoo pigment may have unexpectedly long life spans accounting for the stability of tattoo pigment within the skin over many years, however this research sheds new light on a cycle of macrophage phagocytosis death and re-phagocytosis that provides long term stability of tattoo pigment within the dermis, the authors refer to a "pigment capture–release–recapture model". This research also provides a deeper understanding of the reasons why tattoo pigment can be difficult to remove even after laser removal treatments due to macrophage re-phagocytosis after laser treatment, it is conceivable that this may lead to new approaches to tattoo removal in the future by "combining laser surgery with the transient and specific ablation of the macrophages present in the tattooed area".
Keywords:	Scientific Report, macrophages, tattoo, pigment, ink, dermal, lifespan

The Education Team here at CTshop.com.au keeps a close eye on the scientific and medical literature for new publications relating to cosmetic and medical tattooing that may be of interest to customers. The intent is to alert industry members to important publications within the literature to expand the knowledge base particularly in relation to high impact reports.

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