Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
10:31
Lymphocyte Isolation from Human Skin for Phenotypic Analysis and Ex Vivo Cell Culture
Published on: April 8, 2016
Evaluation of phagocytes in atopic dermatitis
W C N Forte1, V C Guardian, P A Mantovani
1Santa Casa Medical School and Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil. wilmanevesforte@yahoo.com.br
Allergologia Et Immunopathologia
|October 27, 2009
Summary
Patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis show reduced phagocyte activity, impacting their immune response to infections. This study investigated immune cell function in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Atopic dermatitis patients often experience recurrent infections, indicating an underlying immune dysfunction.
- This immune disorder may involve impaired phagocyte function, crucial for combating bacterial and microbial pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate phagocyte activity and chemotaxis in patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.
- To compare the immune cell function of atopic dermatitis patients with healthy individuals.
Main Methods:
- A transversal study analyzed phagocytic activity (zymosan particle ingestion) and chemotaxis (migration distance to lipopolysaccharide) of neutrophilic and mononuclear phagocytes.
- Peripheral blood samples from 19 moderate to severe atopic dermatitis patients and age-matched healthy controls were used.
Main Results:
- 14 out of 19 (73.68%) atopic dermatitis patients exhibited reduced neutrophilic and/or mononuclear phagocyte activity.
- Two patients (1.53%) showed reduced activity in both phagocyte types.
Conclusions:
- A majority of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis patients display diminished chemotactic and phagocytic responses.
- These findings align with the increased susceptibility to pyogenic bacteria and fungal infections observed in atopic dermatitis patients, as these pathogens rely on phagocyte defense.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes
Immune surveillance is an integral part of the innate immune system, involving the continuous monitoring of peripheral tissues to detect and respond to pathogens, infected cells, or cancerous cells. This surveillance is conducted primarily by natural killer (NK) cells and phagocytes, which employ distinct but complementary mechanisms to identify and eliminate threats.
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
01:31Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
The human immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against bacterial infections. It consists of various immune cells, each playing a specific role in the defense mechanism.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
01:29Hypersensitivity Reactions: Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions
Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity (DTH), or Type IV hypersensitivity, is a cell-mediated immune response. It occurs when T cells, rather than antibodies, mediate a reaction to specific antigens. It is characterized by a delayed onset (1-2 days) and involves the recruitment of macrophages to the inflammation site.The initiation of a DTH response begins with the sensitization of T cells. During this phase, which lasts at least 1-2 weeks, antigen-specific T cells are activated, clonally expanded, and...