Pathogenesis and Management of Atopic Dermatitis (Current Problems in Dermatology, Vol. 41)

Description

Recently, a breakthrough in understanding the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) has been made with studies successfully linking loss-of-function mutations in the genes encoding the epidermal structure protein filaggrin with the subsequent risk of developing AD. Another area of AD research apparently points us to the importance of the increased exposure to various environmental agents – in particular those deprived of microbial stimuli – which is known as the ‘hygiene hypothesis’. Other studies suggest specific mechanisms in AD whereby innate immune responses are functionally defective. Also, the sweating disturbance in AD has recently received increasing attention. Nevertheless, the most common emergent theme has been the role of adaptive immunity in providing cytokines and chemokines that sustain the recruitment, retention and activation of allergen-specific T cells, dendritic cells, eosinophils, basophils and mast cells in the involved tissues.

The key message of this book is to address the questions raised by dermatologists, pediatricians, practicing physicians, basic immunologists, biologists, pharmacologists and medical students on the pathogenesis, management and therapies of AD. To this end, virtually all chapters have been authored by original investigators who have contributed significantly to the establishment of current concepts.

Contents

Atopic Dermatitis and the Hygiene Hypothesis Revisited
Loss-of-Function Mutations within the Filaggrin Gene and Atopic Dermatitis
FcεRI-Toll-Like Receptor Interaction in Atopic Dermatitis
The Antimicrobial Skin Barrier in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis
Defective Sweating Responses in Atopic Dermatitis
The Role of Cytokines/Chemokines in the Pathogenesis of Atopic Dermatitis
Contribution of Interleukin 18 to the Development of Infection-Associated Atopic Dermatitis
Innate Immunity in Atopic Dermatitis
The Role of Regulatory T Cells in Atopic Dermatitis Increased Susceptibility to Cutaneous Viral Infections in Atopic Dermatitis: The Roles of Regulatory T Cells and Innate Immune Defects
Biomarkers for Itch and Disease Severity in Atopic Dermatitis
Practical Issues on Interpretation of Scoring Atopic Dermatitis: SCORAD Index, Objective SCORAD, Patient-Oriented SCORAD and Three-Item Severity Score
Systemic Therapy of Atopic Dermatitis in Children and Adults

Author Index
Subject Index