Cytokines as regulatory proteins in lymphoproliferative skin infiltrates

Cytokines are a heterogeneous group of modulatory molecules. They include multifunctional nonspecific mediators, chemokines, lymphocyte-stimulating factors, colony-stimulating factors, and interferons. Using contact dermatitis as an example of benign cutaneous lymphoproliferation and MF as an example of malignant cutaneous lymphoproliferation, we point out the pathophysiologic implications of these key molecules of the cutaneous cytokine network. We try to attribute morphologic features of benign and malignant cutaneous lymphoproliferation to effects mediated by cytokines in the context of the epidermal cytokine network. The knowledge of these interactions will allow a pathophysiologically oriented understanding of skin diseases, which will have consequences on therapeutic aspects of benign and malignant lymphoproliferation.