title: Epidermal barrier dysfunction and cutaneous sensitization in atopic diseases.
abstract: Classic atopic dermatitis is complicated by asthma, allergic rhinitis, and food allergies, cumulatively referred to as atopic diseases. Recent discoveries of mutations in the filaggrin gene as predisposing factors for atopic diseases have refocused investigators' attention on epidermal barrier dysfunction as a causative mechanism. The skin's barrier function has three elements: the stratum corneum (air-liquid barrier), tight junctions (liquid-liquid barrier), and the Langerhans cell network (immunological barrier). Clarification of the molecular events underpinning epidermal barrier function and dysfunction should lead to a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of atopic diseases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinanomachi 35, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
authors.forename: Akiharu
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kubo
authors.forename: Keisuke
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nagao
authors.forename: Masayuki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Amagai
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004817:Epidermis / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000091344:Filaggrin Proteins; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D007381:Intermediate Filament Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D009154:Mutation; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: C000717249:FLG protein, human; D000091344:Filaggrin Proteins; D007381:Intermediate Filament Proteins