Skin Barrier Abnormalities in Atopic Dermatitis

Anne Sofie Frølunde*, Christian Vestergaard, Mette Deleuran

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal/Conference contribution in journal/Contribution to newspaperReviewResearchpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Atopic 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 Findings: Loss-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. Summary: Several 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.

Original languageEnglish
JournalCurrent Treatment Options in Allergy
Volume9
Issue3
Pages (from-to)107-117
Number of pages11
ISSN2196-3053
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2022

Keywords

  • Atopic dermatitis
  • Filaggrin
  • Inflammation
  • Microbiome
  • Skin barrier

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