Decoding Macrophage Dynamics: A Pathway to Understanding and Treating Inflammatory Skin Diseases

Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (AD) are both chronic inflammatory skin diseases. Their pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. The polarization states of macrophages, as a crucial part of the innate immune system, are influenced by various factors such as cytokines, inflammatory mediators, and epigenetics. Research has demonstrated that macrophages play a "double-edged sword" role in the pathological process of inflammatory skin diseases: they both drive inflammation progression and participate in tissue repair. This article summarizes the roles of macrophages in the inflammatory development and tissue homeostasis of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. It explores the impact of different factors on macrophages and inflammatory skin diseases. In conclusion, understanding the classification and plasticity of macrophages is crucial for a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of psoriasis and AD and the development of personalized treatments.