Augmenting the skin immune system

Abstract

Manipulation of the immune system for clinical dermatology can be divided into three categories: augmentation of immunity, suppression of immunity, or alteration of immunity such as induction of tolerance. Current methods for augmenting immunity include vaccination, medications, or interventions such as stem cell transplantation. Traditional vaccination relies upon administration of either antigens, inactivated or attenuated, or live organisms, with or without adjuvants. In the case of inherited immune deficiencies, gene therapy or bone marrow transplants have been performed. In the case of acquired immune deficiencies due to infection (such as human immunodeficiency virus), drugs directed at the causative organism have been used. In the case of acquired immune deficiency due to malignancy, antitumor medications have been indicated. While these therapies tend to be effective for their respective indications, they may lack efficiency, may lack a robust and sustained change in immune status, or may lack specificity and entail significant side effects or unintended effects.