Immunologic,microbial, and epithelial interactions in atopic dermatitis

Objective

To provide an overview of studies contributing to the understanding of immunologic, microbial, and epithelial interactions in atopic dermatitis.

Data Sources

PubMed literature review (2000–2017) and meeting abstracts from recent international dermatology conferences.

Study Selections

Articles discussing primarily human disease.

Results

Clinical studies showed that atopic dermatitis is a type 2 immune-centered disease with a systemic inflammatory component but with heterogeneous treatment responses. This suggests that other factors are likely involved in shaping the skin disease phenotype, including microbial dysbiosis and epidermal barrier dysfunction.

Conclusion

Recent clinical investigation has significantly expanded our knowledge on disease pathogenesis in atopic dermatitis, and current and future clinical trials will most likely further help to elucidate this complex, heterogeneous skin disease.