Current insights into the role of human β‐defensins in atopic dermatitis

• Published in: Clinical and experimental immunology Vol. 190; no. 2; pp. 155 - 166
• Main Authors: Chieosilapatham, P., Ogawa, H., Niyonsaba, F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England John Wiley and Sons Inc 01.11.2017
• Subjects: Animals; anti‐microbial peptide; atopic dermatitis; beta-Defensins - biosynthesis; beta-Defensins - genetics; beta-Defensins - immunology; beta-Defensins - metabolism; Dermatitis, Atopic - immunology; Dermatitis, Atopic - physiopathology; Dermatitis, Atopic - therapy; host defence peptide; human β‐defensins; Humans; inflammation; Mice; Review; atopic dermatitis; host defence peptide; inflammation; anti-microbial peptide; human β-defensins
• ISSN: 0009-9104; 1365-2249
• DOI: 10.1111/cei.13013

Summary Anti‐microbial peptides or host defence peptides are small molecules that display both anti‐microbial activities and complex immunomodulatory functions to protect against various diseases. Among these peptides, the human β‐defensins (hBDs) are localized primarily in epithelial surfaces, including those of the skin, where they contribute to protective barriers. In atopic dermatitis skin lesions, altered skin barrier and immune dysregulation are believed to be responsible for reduced hBD synthesis. Impaired hBD expression in the skin is reportedly the leading cause of increased susceptibility to bacterial and viral infection in patients with atopic dermatitis. Although hBDs have considerable beneficial effects as anti‐microbial agents and immunomodulators and may ameliorate atopic dermatitis clinically, recent evidence has also suggested the negative effects of hBDs in atopic dermatitis development. In the current review, we provide an overview of the regulation of hBDs and their role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. The efforts to utilize these molecules in clinical applications are also described. This review focuses on the current knowledge of antimicrobial peptides human beta‐defensins with an emphasis on their regulatory mechanisms in atopic dermatitis, their roles in atopic dermatitis pathogenesis, and their applicability as therapeutic agents for this skin disorder.