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[Cutaneous immune and inflammatory reactions to Malassezia furfur]
1Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University School of Medicine Seiryo-machi 1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan.
Abstract:
Initiation and aggravation of several inflammatory skin diseases are associated with Malassezia furfur. These are divided into at least two groups. In one group including tinea versicolor and Malassezia folliculitis, the growth of Malassezia furfur directly triggers the development of the cutaneous lesions. In another group including atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis, cutaneous lesions already developed by other mechanisms are aggravated by the growth of Malassezia furfur. Recent progress of molecular biology techniques revealed that Malassezia furfur is divided into at least seven species. Since their clinical and histological findings are quite diverse, their differences cannot be explained solely by the difference in antigenicity of each Malassezia. Instead, the cutaneous defense mechanisms against Malassezia furfur must be considered. In this article, we reviewed the mechanisms at three levels: 1) barrier functions of the uppermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, 2) cytokine production by epidermal keratinocytes, and 3) immune and inflammatory responses by infiltrating neutrophils and T cells.
Insights
Malassezia furfur contributes to inflammatory skin diseases like tinea versicolor and psoriasis. Understanding skin defense mechanisms against this yeast is crucial for managing these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Malassezia furfur is implicated in initiating and worsening inflammatory skin conditions.
- These conditions are categorized into those directly triggered by yeast growth and those aggravated by it.
- Recent research identifies at least seven Malassezia species, each with distinct clinical and histological presentations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the cutaneous defense mechanisms against Malassezia furfur.
- To explore these mechanisms at the stratum corneum, epidermal keratinocyte, and immune cell levels.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on Malassezia furfur and skin immunity.
- Analysis of defense mechanisms including skin barrier function, cytokine production, and immune cell responses.
Main Results:
- Malassezia furfur's role varies from direct lesion initiation to aggravation of pre-existing conditions.
- Differences in Malassezia species and host defense mechanisms contribute to disease diversity.
- Key defense levels involve the stratum corneum's barrier function, keratinocyte cytokine signaling, and inflammatory cell infiltration.
Conclusions:
- Cutaneous defense mechanisms are critical for understanding Malassezia-related skin diseases.
- Further research into these interactions is needed for effective therapeutic strategies.