Cellular aspects of atopic dermatitis

Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2007 Dec;33(3):191-8. doi: 10.1007/s12016-007-0045-4.

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a highly pruritic, chronic, and relapsing inflammatory skin disease. Recent interest in AD has been sparked by reports of its increasing prevalence and its contribution to increasing health care costs. A precise understanding of immunologic mechanisms is crucial for the development of effective treatment strategies for AD. Various studies reveal that AD has a multifactorial cause with the activation of complex immunologic and inflammatory pathways. This review will discuss cellular-mediated immunological pathomechanisms of AD. Emphasis will be given to the role played by T cells, antigen-presenting cells, eosinophils, and keratinocytes. We also examine the immunological effect of superantigens on various inflammatory cells including T regulatory cells.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antigen-Presenting Cells
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / immunology*
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / pathology*
  • Eosinophils* / immunology
  • Eosinophils* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular
  • Immunoglobulin E*
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Keratinocytes* / immunology
  • Keratinocytes* / pathology
  • Lymphocyte Cooperation / immunology
  • Staphylococcal Infections / complications
  • Staphylococcal Infections / immunology
  • Staphylococcal Infections / physiopathology
  • Superantigens
  • T-Lymphocytes* / pathology

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Superantigens
  • Immunoglobulin E