Characterisation of mouse strains with spontaneous mutations, leading to epidermal barrier dysfunction and inflammation

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic pruritic skin disease, associated with eczematous lesions, epidermal barrier dysfunction, and Immunoglobulin-E-mediated sensitization to food and environmental allergens. The complex aetiopathogenesis is attributed to the complex interplay, of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Atopic demiatitis is the first manifestation of the atopic march, leading to progression to associated allergic disorders such as asthma. The pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis remains to be fully elucidated, though recent evidence strongly points to inherited epidermal barrier defects, such as filaggrin mutations, as representing a major risk factor for the disease.