Salicylic acid inhibits Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor X2-mediated mast cell 2 activation and mitigates cutaneous pseudo-allergic reactions

Background: Pseudo-allergic reactions mediated by non-IgE mast cells (MCs) activation contribute to various dermatological conditions, with Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor X2 (MRGPRX2) recognized as a key receptor. Salicylic acid (SA) has long been applied in dermatology as a peeling agent with anti-inflammatory properties, but its role in MRGPRX2-associated pseudo-allergic responses remains unclear.

Methods: In vivo, a murine skin pseudo-allergic reaction model combined with Evans blue dye extravasation assay was employed in C57BL/6 mice. In vitro, human skin-derived MCs and LAD2 cells were activated with MRGPRX2 agonists compound 48/80 (c48/80) and substance P (SP). Degranulation and calcium influx were assessed via β-hexosaminidase release and calcium influx assays. RT-qPCR quantified mRNA expression, while kinase phosphorylation and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels were evaluated using western blotting and flow cytometry, respectively. MRGPRX2 cell surface expression was analyzed by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence.

Results: In vivo, SA significantly reduced MRGPRX2-mediated skin edema and Evans blue dye extravasation. In vitro, SA inhibited MC degranulation and calcium influx in both human skin-derived MCs and LAD2 cells. It also suppressed the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-4, IL-8, and TNF-α following MRGPRX2 activation. SA pre-treatment reduced ROS levels and inhibited extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation. Additionally, prolonged SA exposure downregulated both MRGPRX2 mRNA and cell surface expression.

Conclusions: SA demonstrates a dual-phase inhibitory effect on MRGPRX2-mediated pseudo-allergic reactions. Short-term SA treatment suppresses MC degranulation and cytokine production, whereas long-term treatment further reduces MRGPRX2 expression, highlighting the therapeutic potential of SA for MRGPRX2-associated dermatological disorders.

MRGPRX2; Mast cell; Pseudo-allergy; Salicylic acid.