Secondary Publication: New Aspects of Biologically Active Substances: Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is characterized by three factors: decreased skin barrier function, type 2 immune response, and itching. In recent years, the elucidation of the pathological condition of atopic dermatitis has progressed from the immunological aspect. Type 2 cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, produced from cells such as Th2 cells and type 2 innate lymphocytes, play a crucial role in the lesion areas of atopic dermatitis. These type 2 cytokines decrease the antibacterial peptide levels, weaken the barrier of epidermal keratinocytes, and induce inflammation. Currently, antibody preparations that suppress targeted cytokines, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors that inhibit the JAK-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway and system, and anti-Phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors, developed based on the pathological condition of atopic dermatitis, are available. The existing topical drug therapies are the anticipated treatment methods for refractory atopic dermatitis affecting children and adults. This report is a secondary publication of my previous review report "J Tokyo Wom Med Univ (in Japanese). 2024;94 (2): 35-40".