The role of lymphocytes in healthy and eczematous skin.
Eczema is a heterogeneous disease and the pathophysiological mechanism should be clarified in each disease. Allergic contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis are representative diseases showing eczematous reaction. A major player in both allergic contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis is skin-specific T lymphocytes. The significance of these T lymphocytes, especially the expression of cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen on T helper cells types 1 and 2, and its counter-receptor on vascular endothelial cells needs further investigation. The evidence showing that infiltrating T cells participate in the formation of eczematous reaction through Fas-induced apoptosis is important in our understanding of eczematous reactions and also for treatment.
Tamaki
K
K
Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. tamaki-der@h.u-tokyo.ac.jp
Nakamura
K
K
D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*