Skin Barrier Abnormalities in Atopic Dermatitis

AbstractPurpose of ReviewAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, inflammatory, relapsing skin disease with intense itch. The disease affects approximately 20% of children and up to 10% of adults in affluent countries, however, the prevalence is fluctuating across the world and across ethnical groups.This review focuses on the epidermal barrier abnormalities in AD and recent studies investigating the genetic, immunologic, and microbial aspects in the pathophysiology of AD.Recent FindingsLoss-of-function (LoF) mutations in filaggrin (FLG) is the most important genetic risk factor for development of AD, and a major contributor to the epidermal barrier dysfunction. Latest research has revealed abundant ethnical variations in the FLG LoF mutation variants seen in AD patients. Increasing focus on the microbiome has also revealed that Staphylococcus aureus possibly plays a central role in the barrier abnormalities and that these microbiome abnormalities can be normalized during AD treatment.SummarySeveral new therapeutic agents are available or in the pipeline for AD patients, mainly targeting the inflammatory pathway. Future research on the epidermal barrier dysfunction will hopefully bring us closer to a deeper understanding of the pathology and possibilities for development of new targeted therapies.
Source: Current Treatment Options in Allergy - Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research