Atopic dermatitis – novel insights in the immunopathology of the disease

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease that is characterized by a chronic-relapsing course and a pronounced feeling of itching. Altered production of structural proteins, lipids and antimicrobial peptides results in epidermal impairment, leading to the early onset of disease, more severe lesions and numerous comorbidities. Atopic dermatitis has recently been recognized as a systemic type 2 inflammation and emerging novel therapeutic modalities reflect sophisticated molecular and immunopathological pathways. The aim of this article is to provide a thorough review of the existing knowledge regarding the most significant immunological aspects of the development and progression of atopic dermatitis.

Keywords: atopic eczema; epidermis; inflammation; Th2 cells