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Cutaneous dendritic cells in allergic inflammation
Author(s) -
Gros E.,
Novak N.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
clinical and experimental allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.462
H-Index - 154
eISSN - 1365-2222
pISSN - 0954-7894
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2012.03964.x
Subject(s) - immunology , immune system , inflammation , context (archaeology) , acquired immune system , atopic dermatitis , dendritic cell , medicine , pattern recognition receptor , innate immune system , immunity , antigen , peripheral tolerance , immune tolerance , biology , paleontology
Summary The skin represents a physical barrier, which is capable of protecting the body from damaging invaders. Moreover, the skin operates as an active immunological organ, harbouring a complex network of dendritic cells ( DC s), which serve as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity. Equipped with specific pattern recognition receptors ( PRR s), DC s are able to capture, process and present antigens to naïve T cells in the skin draining lymph nodes, thereby inducing adaptive antigen‐specific immunity. However, the outcome of the immune response is shaped by numerous factors including the DC subtype, maturation state of DC s, composition of PRR s expressed by DC s, type of pathogen as well as factors in the microenvironment. Thus, cutaneous DC subtypes are known to contribute to both, peripheral tolerance and the generation of allergic skin inflammation. Identifying the underlying mechanisms is a challenging task in understanding DC biology. Based on their functional diversity, cutaneous DC s might represent promising therapeutic targets, with the potential of down‐modulating pro‐inflammatory immune responses and inducing tolerogenic pathways, thereby ensuring the maintenance of tissue homeostasis and restoring the balance of dysregulated immune reactions in the context of allergic skin diseases. In this review, we summarize the versatile character of DC subtypes in human skin and highlight their phenotypic characteristics and role in allergic skin inflammation. In addition, we discuss current therapeutic approaches for the management of inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis with the main focus on strategies targeting DC s. We point towards potential challenges, benefits, risks and limitations for the treatment of patients.