Key points Less than 50% of patients affected with atopic dermatitis have a genetic mutation of the skin barrier protein, filaggrin. Thus additional contributing factors, barrier defects, and beyond could account for disease triggering of the other 50% of patients…
Key points There are three major types of epigenetic modifications: DNA methylation, microRNAs, and posttranslational histone modifications. DNA methylation and microRNAs alter the expression of atopic dermatitis-associated genes identified in multiple genomewide association studies. Epigenetic alterations also impact epidermal barrier…
Key points Both itch and pain are very frequent symptoms in patients with atopic dermatitis, with a prevalence of more than 50%. Patients with atopic dermatitis show neuronal sensitization to both itch and pain. Itch neuronal sensitization is associated with…
Key points The atopic march is a phenomenon characterized by progressive development of atopic dermatitis, food allergy, allergic rhinitis, and later asthma. The mechanism by which atopic dermatitis advances toward gastrointestinal or airway disease remains to be fully elucidated, but…
Key points Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a complex disease with various types of leukocytes involved in its pathology. Multiple subsets of CD4 + helper T cells, which are sensitized, activated, and differentiated by antigen presenting cells (i.e., Langerhans cells and…
Key points Allergen-specific B cells are differentiated into plasma cells producing immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. Through binding to the receptors (FcεRI and FcεRII), IgE induces cytokine and chemokine production from immune cells. Intrinsic atopic dermatitis is T-cell mediated, involving Th2…
Key points Cutaneous microcirculation, a type of microvasculature situated just below the epidermis, is composed of major components of blood vessels (arterioles and venules) and lymphatic vessels. The cutaneous blood vessels are organized into a superficial plexus near the dermal-epidermal…
Key points Epidermis is the outermost layer of skin surface that forms the first line of defense against invaders from the environment. Keratinocyte is the epidermis’s principle cell type responsible for generating and maintaining the integrity of the epidermis. Besides…
Key points The fact that up to 50% of atopic dermatitis (AD) patients have loss-of-function genetic mutations of skin barrier protein filaggrin points to a cutaneous weakness that allows external factors to trigger skin inflammation in AD. Various studies documented…
Key points The worldwide prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) has risen over recent decades, paralleling industrial and urban growth. Airborne pollutants induce oxidative damage at the skin interface with the outside world, setting in motion a cycle of inflammation, skin…