Genetics of atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis, like all other diseases with an atopic component, shows a genetical background influencing its development and natural course. The scientific interest has first been with the genetical basis of sensitization and bronchial asthma. However, during the last months, 2 genome-wide screens have been published, using atopic dermatitis as distinct phenotype. These have shown that the genetics of atopic dermatitis are most likely formed by the complex interaction of common gene variants in multiple genes. However, the genetics of bronchial asthma and atopic dermatitis only show a partial overlap. It is remarkable that some of the genetic regions found to be linked to atopic dermatitis per se are also linked to psoriasis, a further chronic inflammatory skin disease. It seems reasonable to assume that the dermal localization of an atopic disease is defined through these chromosomal loci. This bears many implications for the clinician. It might show up new therapeutic targets and predict the individual therapeutic effect. However, it might be helpful as well to predict the persistence of atopic dermatitis in very young children and it might lead to a more directed prevention. This review aims to give an overview on our actual knowledge of the genetics of atopic dermatitis. At the same time, it intends to show up some of its implications on our understanding of the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis, a better classification of the disease, its prevention and therapeutic effects.