The epidermal lipid-microbiome loop and immunity: Important players in atopic dermatitis

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Immunology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by epidermal barrier dysfunction.
• Abnormalities in the lipid-microbiome feedback loop contribute to an imbalanced epithelial immune microenvironment (EIME).
• This imbalance involves impaired skin barrier integrity, increased pathogen exposure, and dysregulated immune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the interplay between lipid composition, microbiome disturbances, and immune responses in AD.
• To elucidate the crosstalk mechanisms among these factors.
• To propose a "lipid-microbiome" positive feedback loop model regulated by immune responses.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on AD pathogenesis.
• Analysis of the relationship between lipids, microbes, and immunity in the EIME.
• Exploration of therapeutic strategies targeting the EIME.

Main Results:

• Adaptive immunity significantly influences the lipid-microbiome loop in AD.
• Immune responses contribute to lipid abnormalities and microbial dysregulation.
• The proposed "lipid-microbiome" loop integrates lipid, microbial, and immune components.

Conclusions:

• The EIME plays a critical role in AD pathogenesis.
• Lipid supplementation and probiotics may alleviate AD by enhancing the epidermal barrier and modulating immune signaling.
• Targeting the EIME presents a promising therapeutic avenue for AD.