Dermatológia pre prax 1/2014

Defects of innate immunity – new pathogenetic aspects of atopic dermatitis

A growing body of evidence suggests that there are a variety of defects in the innate immune system that collectively affect the development and severity of atopic dermatitis. Genetically based impairment of the epidermal barrier, modifications of pattern recognition receptors and deficiency of antimicrobial peptides facilitate the entry of allergens and infectious microbes into the skin, where they encounter immunocompetent cells. The defects of innate immunity not only encourage the evolution of immediate type hypersensitivity to atopic allergens, but also explain susceptibility of atopic dermatitis patients to pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and herpes simplex virus.

Keywords: atopic dermatitis, innate immunity, epidermal barrier, toll-like receptor, antimicrobial peptide.