Lessons from murine models of atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a complex disease that manifests immunologic abnormalities in the skin. The immunologic changes of AD are characterized by a T helper cell type 2 (Th2)-dominated immune response in its acute phase and a Th1/Th2 mixed immune response in its chronic phase. Although the clinical presentation and pathologic changes are initially in the skin, AD may be, in part, a systemic disorder. In fact, AD is often considered to be the initial manifestation of the "atopic march" that progresses from AD to allergic rhinitis and asthma. In the past several years, a number of murine models of AD have been developed or discovered, and studies on these models have contributed greatly to our understanding of the immunopathogenesis of this disease. This review is focused on these recent, illuminating advances in animal models of AD.