The role of lymphocytes in healthy and eczematous skin

Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. 2001 Oct;1(5):455-60. doi: 10.1097/01.all.0000011060.57502.81.

Abstract

Eczema is a heterogeneous disease and the pathophysiological mechanism should be clarified in each disease. Allergic contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis are representative diseases showing eczematous reaction. A major player in both allergic contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis is skin-specific T lymphocytes. The significance of these T lymphocytes, especially the expression of cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen on T helper cells types 1 and 2, and its counter-receptor on vascular endothelial cells needs further investigation. The evidence showing that infiltrating T cells participate in the formation of eczematous reaction through Fas-induced apoptosis is important in our understanding of eczematous reactions and also for treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / immunology
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / physiopathology*
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / immunology
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Skin / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*