Abstract
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with elevated serum IgE levels and sensitization to a variety of inhalant, food and microbial allergens. Controlled challenges have provided substantial evidence that allergens can trigger acute IgE-mediated mast-cell dependent exacerbations of eczema in these patients. However, the sustained chronic skin inflammation that characterizes atopic dermatitis is likely to result from a local expansion of allergen-specific T helper type 2 cells that produce interleukin-4 and interleukin-5 and the concomitant infiltration of eosinophils. An important role for IgE in allergen presentation to T helper type 2 cells by Langerhans cells has been proposed. These observations may have important implications for the development of new approaches for the treatment of this increasingly common allergic disorder.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call