title: The complex biology and contribution of Staphylococcus aureus in atopic dermatitis, current and future therapies.
abstract: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a complex, chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting more than 10% of U.K. children and is a major cause of occupation-related disability. A subset of patients, particularly those with severe AD, are persistently colonized with Staphylococcus aureus and exacerbation of disease is commonly associated with this bacterium by virtue of increased inflammation and allergic sensitization, aggravated by skin barrier defects. Understanding the complex biology of S. aureus is an important factor when developing new drugs to combat infection. Staphylococcus aureus generates exoproteins that enable invasion and dissemination within the host skin but can also damage the skin and activate the host immune system. Antibiotics are often used by dermatologists to aid clearance of S. aureus; however, these are becoming less effective and chronic usage is discouraged with the emergence of multiple antibiotic-resistant strains. New ways to target S. aureus using monoclonal antibodies and vaccines are now being developed. This review will attempt to evaluate the key biology of S. aureus, current treatment of S. aureus infections in AD and recent advances in developing new anti-S. aureus therapies that have potential in severe AD.
authors: MedImmune, Milstein Building, Granta Park, Cambridge, CB21 6GH, U.K.
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Hepburn
authors: University Medical Center Utrecht, Department of Dermatology, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
authors: D J
authors: DJ
authors: Hijnen
authors: MedImmune, Gaithersburg, MD, U.S.A.
authors: B R
authors: BR
authors: Sellman
authors: MedImmune, Gaithersburg, MD, U.S.A.
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Mustelin
authors: MedImmune, Milstein Building, Granta Park, Cambridge, CB21 6GH, U.K.
authors: M A
authors: MA
authors: Sleeman
authors: MedImmune, Milstein Building, Granta Park, Cambridge, CB21 6GH, U.K.
authors: R D
authors: RD
authors: May
authors: MedImmune, Milstein Building, Granta Park, Cambridge, CB21 6GH, U.K.
authors: I
authors: I
authors: Strickland
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000382:microbiology / Q000502:physiology; D013207:Staphylococcal Skin Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D016207:Cytokines