Topographical variations in the skin barrier and their role in disease pathogenesis.

Abstract

The skin barrier can be divided into at least four functional units: chemical, microbial, physical and immunological barriers. The chemical and microbial barriers have previously been shown to exhibit different characteristics in topographically distinct skin regions.

There is increasing evidence that the physical and immunological barriers also show marked variability in different areas of the skin.

Here, we review recent data on the topographical variations of skin barrier components, the contribution of these variations to the homeostatic function of the skin and their impact on the pathogenesis of specific immune-mediated skin diseases (such as atopic dermatitis and papulopustular rosacea).

Recognition of these topographical barrier differences will improve our understanding of skin homeostasis and disease pathogenesis and provide a basis for body site-specific targeted therapies.

References:

Harris‐Tryon TA, Grice EA. Microbiota and maintenance of skin barrier function. Science. 2022;376(6596):940–945.
Eyerich S, Eyerich K, Traidl‐Hoffmann C, Biedermann T. Cutaneous barriers and skin immunity: differentiating a connected network. Trends Immunol. 2018;39(4):315–327.
Szabo K, Bolla S, Erdei L, Balogh F, Kemény L. Are the cutaneous microbiota a Guardian of the Skin's physical barrier? The intricate relationship between skin microbes and barrier integrity. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24:15962.
Rippke F, Schreiner V, Schwanitz HJ. The acidic milieu of the horny layer: new findings on the physiology and pathophysiology of skin pH. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2002;3(4):261–272.
Hachem JP, Behne M, Aronchik I, Demerjian M, Feingold KR, Elias PM, et al. Extracellular pH controls NHE1 expression in epidermis and keratinocytes: implications for barrier repair. J Invest Dermatol. 2005;125(4):790–797.

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Doi:

10.1111/jdv.20463

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Wiley

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Topographical variations in the skin barrier and their role in disease pathogenesis.

Abstract

There is increasing evidence that the physical and immunological barriers also show marked variability in different areas of the skin.

Recognition of these topographical barrier differences will improve our understanding of skin homeostasis and disease pathogenesis and provide a basis for body site-specific targeted therapies.

References:

Harris‐Tryon TA, Grice EA. Microbiota and maintenance of skin barrier function. Science. 2022;376(6596):940–945.
Eyerich S, Eyerich K, Traidl‐Hoffmann C, Biedermann T. Cutaneous barriers and skin immunity: differentiating a connected network. Trends Immunol. 2018;39(4):315–327.
Szabo K, Bolla S, Erdei L, Balogh F, Kemény L. Are the cutaneous microbiota a Guardian of the Skin's physical barrier? The intricate relationship between skin microbes and barrier integrity. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24:15962.
Rippke F, Schreiner V, Schwanitz HJ. The acidic milieu of the horny layer: new findings on the physiology and pathophysiology of skin pH. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2002;3(4):261–272.
Hachem JP, Behne M, Aronchik I, Demerjian M, Feingold KR, Elias PM, et al. Extracellular pH controls NHE1 expression in epidermis and keratinocytes: implications for barrier repair. J Invest Dermatol. 2005;125(4):790–797.