Cellular and immunologic mechanisms in atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is frequently associated with respiratory allergies. Atopic dermatitis develops as a res ult of a complex interrelationship of environmental, immunologic, genetic, and pharmacologic factors. Efforts to understand the relative contributions of these factors have led to research seeking to identify the relevant eff ector cells and mediators involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis . These factors include the pattern of local cytokine release, the differen tiation of helper T cells, multiple roles of IgE, skin-directed cell respon ses, infectious agents, and superantigens. This article reviews these cellu lar and immunologic mechanisms underlying atopic dermatitis and discusses h ow an understanding of their role in the inflammatory process may lead to i mproved treatments for atopic dermatitis.