Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic-relapsing inflammatory skin disease with significant disease burden. Genetic and environmental trigger factors contribute to AD, activating 2 of our largest organs, the nervous system and the immune system. Dysregulation of neuroimmune circuits plays a key role in the pathophysiology of AD, causing inflammation, pruritus, pain, and barrier dysfunction. Sensory nerves can be activated by environmental or endogenous trigger factors, transmitting itch stimuli to the brain. On stimulation, sensory nerve endings also release neuromediators into the skin, contributing again to inflammation, barrier dysfunction, and itch. In addition, dysfunctional peripheral and central neuronal structures contribute to neuroinflammation, sensitization, nerve elongation, and neuropathic itch, thus chronification and therapy resistance. Consequently, neuroimmune circuits in skin and central nervous system may be targets to treat pruritus in AD. Cytokines, chemokines, proteases, lipids, opioids, and ions excite/sensitize sensory nerve endings, which not only induces itch but further aggravates/perpetuates inflammation, skin barrier disruption, and pruritus as well. Thus, targeted therapies for neuroimmune circuits as well as pathway inhibitors (eg, kinase inhibitors) may be beneficial to control pruritus in AD either in systemic and/or in topical form. Understanding neuroimmune circuits and neuronal signaling will optimize our approach to control all pathological mechanisms in AD, inflammation, barrier dysfunction, and pruritus.
Keywords: Atopic eczema; cytokine; eczema; itch; neuroimmunology; neuropeptide; pathophysiology; pruritus; therapy.
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