title: Innate and adaptive immune responses in allergic contact dermatitis and autoimmune skin diseases.
abstract: Allergic contact dermatitis is induced by chemicals or metal ions. A hallmark of this T cell mediated skin disease is the activation of the innate immune system by contact allergens. This immune response results in inflammation and is a prerequisite for the activation of the adaptive immune system with tissue-specific migration of effector and regulatory T cells. Recent studies have begun to address in detail the innate immune cells as well as the innate receptors on these cells and the associated signaling pathways which lead to skin inflammation. We review here recent findings regarding innate and adaptive immune responses and immune regulation of contact dermatitis and other skin diseases as well as recent developments towards an in vitro assessment of the allergenic potential of chemicals. The elucidation of the innate inflammatory pathways, cellular components and mediators will help to identify new drug targets for more efficient treatment of allergic contact dermatitis and hopefully also for its prevention.
authors.affiliation: Allergy Research Group, Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Freiburg, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Fanny
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Edele
authors.forename: Philipp R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Esser
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lass
authors.forename: Melanie N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Laszczyk
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Oswald
authors.forename: Christian M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Strüh
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rensing-Ehl
authors.forename: Stefan F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Martin
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007110:Immunity, Active / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens