Dissecting the role of infections in atopic dermatitis

Acta Dermato-venereologica
Tilo Biedermann

Abstract

In patients with atopic dermatitis the skin is highly susceptible to infection by bacteria, fungi and viruses. Increasing knowledge about the complex immune network that regulates anti-microbial responses has helped to dissect further the role of infections in atopic dermatitis. Conserved patterns of microbes are recognized by the innate immune system, which mediates microbicidal activity, either directly or through inflammatory responses. New evidence suggests that components of the innate immune system, such as anti-microbial peptides, humoural lectins, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing (NOD) proteins, and Toll-like receptors not only protect from microbial invasion, but contribute to skin inflammation in atopic dermatitis. In addition, atopic patients tend to develop Th2-dominated immune responses that weaken anti-microbial immunity. This impairment of an appropriate anti-microbial defence compounded by amplified microbe-driven innate and adaptive immune responses leads to the vicious circle of skin inflammation. New microbial management in atopic dermatitis will foster a well-balanced microbial flora, which establishes natural defence mechanisms to maintain immuno-surveillance of the skin. In addition to ...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory genetically determined disease of the skin marked by increased ability to form reagin (IgE), with increased susceptibility to allergic rhinitis and asthma, and hereditary disposition to a lowered threshold for pruritus. Discover the latest research on atopic dermatitis here.

Related Papers

Journal of Innate Immunity
Laura Maintz, Natalija Novak
Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy
Christian HerrRobert Bals
Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy
Ronan Kapetanovic, Jean-Marc Cavaillon
The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease : the Official Journal of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
L M Fu
© 2022 Meta ULC. All rights reserved