Endotypes of atopic dermatitis and food allergy

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) and food allergy (FA) are strongly associated, with one-third of children with AD developing concomitant FA. Epithelial barrier dysfunction is important in both conditions. Genetic factors, such as filaggrin mutations and IL-4 receptor alpha chain polymorphisms, are linked to increased risk. In addition, several environmental exposures lead to reduced filaggrin and contribute to skin barrier dysfunction. Staphylococcus aureus colonization appears to contribute to AD and FA, as well as activating the type 2 immune response. Comprehensive multiomic studies using skin tape stripping have identified distinct atopic endotypes with unique characteristics of the stratum corneum lipids, proteins, S aureus abundance, and type 2 cytokine expression. Our new understanding of AD and FA presents an area of opportunity to move toward improved diagnosis and prevention of atopy.

Keywords: Atopic dermatitis; Staphylococcus aureus; filaggrin; food allergy; skin barrier.