title: The role of cutaneous dendritic cells in the immunopathogenesis of atopic dermatitis.
abstract: We review the immunology of atopic dermatitis (AD) and focus attention on the role of cutaneous dendritic cells. AD is a complex immune-mediated skin disorder characterized by the recruitment of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells into the skin. T-helper (Th) 2-type cytokines are dominant in acute AD skin, while both Th1- and Th2-type cytokines are present in chronic AD. Cutaneous dendritic cells, which are present in increased numbers within AD skin, are believed to play a key part in the activation of T cells in the skin. They may also help to determine the pattern of cytokines produced by activated effector T cells.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London WC1 3JH, U.K. Cedric.Banfield@hbhc-tr.anglox.nhs.uk
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Banfield
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Callard
authors.forename: J I
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Harper
mesh_terms: D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular