Natural Killer Cell Regulation of Skin Inflammation

PROJECT SUMMARY Characterized by chronic skin inflammation, atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic illness of childhood and is often a lifelong disease. Numerous immune cell types have been implicated in AD pathogenesis, including mast cells, basophils, and T helper type 2 (Th2) cells. Recent studies by the Kim Lab identified group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) as critical contributors to development of AD/AD-like disease through production of the type 2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13. Indeed, blockade of the IL-4 and IL-13 receptor (IL- 4R) has emerged as the first FDA-approved targeted therapy for moderate-to-severe AD. Despite this major advance,