Biomarkers in atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a complex and highly heterogeneous inflammatory skin disease. Given the highly heterogeneous character of AD, it is unlikely that every patient will respond equally to a particular treatment. The recent introduction of novel targeted therapies for AD has driven the need for patient stratification based on immunologic biomarkers. We have reviewed the use of different types of biomarkers as potential tools in the movement toward personalized medicine in AD, comprising different ways of endotyping patients with AD based on immunologic profiles and predictive biomarkers. The application of biomarkers will result in better characterization and stratification of patients and allow better comparison of current and new treatments. The ultimate goal will be to switch from the current generalized "one-drug-fits-all" management to more personalized "patient endotype-specific" management.

Keywords: Atopic dermatitis; CCL22; IL-13; IL-22; IL-4; T(H)2 cell; TARC/CCL17; biomarkers; endotypes.