[New trends in immunodermatology and treatment of skin diseases]

Nowhere in the body are inflammatory reactions more apparent than in the skin. The inflammation may be beneficial, as in defence against tumours or infections, or inimical, as in allergy and psoriasis. The skin is a primary immunological organ which presents antigens to T cells, and produces many types of cytokines. The complex interplay between cells and mediators in immunologically induced skin diseases is beginning to be unveiled. Other new developments include improved immunosuppressive therapy and highly specific anti-inflammatory treatment that induces naturally occurring down-regulatory signals.