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Review
. 2023 Feb 15;12(4):1538.
doi: 10.3390/jcm12041538.

The Role of Tight Junctions in Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review

Spyridoula Katsarou  1 , Michael Makris  2 , Efstratios Vakirlis  3 , Stamatios Gregoriou  1
Affiliations
Review

The Role of Tight Junctions in Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review

Spyridoula Katsarou et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

Background: Tight junctions are transmembrane proteins that regulate the permeability of water, solutes including ions, and water-soluble molecules. The objective of this systematic review is to focus on the current knowledge regarding the role of tight junctions in atopic dermatitis and the possible impact on their therapeutic potential.

Methods: A literature search was performed in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane library between 2009 and 2022. After evaluation of the literature and taking into consideration their content, 55 articles were finally included.

Results: TJs' role in atopic dermatitis extends from a microscopic scale to having macroscopic effects, such as increased susceptibility to pathogens and infections and worsening of atopic dermatitis features. Impaired TJ barrier function and skin permeability in AD lesions is correlated with cldn-1 levels. Th2 inflammation inhibits the expression of cldn-1 and cldn-23. Scratching has also been reported to decrease cldn-1 expression. Dysfunctional TJs' interaction with Langerhans cells could increase allergen penetration. Susceptibility to cutaneous infections in AD patients could also be affected by TJ cohesion.

Conclusions: Dysfunction of TJs and their components, especially claudins, have a significant role in the pathogenesis and vicious circle of inflammation in AD. Discovering more basic science data regarding TJ functionality may be the key for the use of specific/targeted therapies in order to improve epidermal barrier function in AD.

Keywords: atopic dermatitis; atopic eczema; claudins; tight junctions.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow diagram.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Tight junction components.(SC: stratum corneum, SG: stratum granulosum, SS: stratum spinosum, SB: stratum basale, TEWL: transepidermal water loss).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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