Transdermal immunotherapy: Past, present and future

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Dermatology
• Autoimmune Diseases

Background:

• The skin is crucial for thermal regulation, homeostasis, vitamin D synthesis, and immune defense.
• Epicutaneous (EC) antigen application induces immune suppression, impacting Th1- and Tc1-mediated contact sensitivity (CS) in mice.
• Skin immunity is integral to managing autoimmune conditions and responding to external factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on skin-induced immune suppression via EC antigen application.
• To explore the role of EC immunization in experimental autoimmune diseases (EAE, CIA, colitis).
• To discuss EC immunization's efficacy in treating multiple sclerosis (MS) and allergic diseases, including immunopotentiation with pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs).

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature on EC immunization and its immunological effects.
• Analysis of studies investigating EC-induced suppression in mouse models of autoimmune diseases.
• Examination of clinical data on EC immunization for multiple sclerosis and allergic conditions.

Main Results:

• EC antigen application can induce immune suppression relevant to Th1/Tc1-mediated contact sensitivity.
• EC immunization demonstrates therapeutic potential in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, collagen-induced arthritis, and colitis.
• EC immunization shows promise for treating multiple sclerosis and allergic diseases, with potential for immunopotentiation using PAMPs.

Conclusions:

• Epicutaneous immunization is a versatile strategy for modulating immune responses.
• EC immunization offers a potential therapeutic approach for autoimmune and allergic diseases.
• Further research into EC immunization, particularly with PAMPs, could lead to novel treatments.