Molecular Interactions in Inflammatory Skin Diseases (ISDs): The Role of Exosomes and Other Molecular Mediators in Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Strategies

Dear Colleagues,

Inflammatory skin diseases (ISDs) comprise a group of skin disorders characterized by damage to skin function due to excessive inflammatory reactions. Although these reactions can be triggered by external factors such as ultraviolet radiation, physical damage or infection, they can also result from unknown abnormal immune activations and abnormal keratinocyte behavior. Such ISD caused by unexplained abnormalities is chronic in nature, which not only increases the risk of psychiatric disorders in patients, but also impairs the barrier function of the skin, thus increasing susceptibility to further chronic inflammatory diseases. The current prevalence of ISD is estimated at around 20–25% and represents a significant human and economic burden on society. However, unsatisfactory treatment effects, relapses, potential side effects and diagnostic accuracy remain key issues that need to be addressed in ISD treatment.

Currently, the therapeutic potential of molecules such as different types of exocrine vesicles (e.g., exosomes) and substances of natural origin that can eliminate the immunological hyperreactivity of the skin are gaining increasing attention.

Fortunately, research into skin diseases is making steady progress, but unfortunately many questions remain unanswered. Among the most important are the following. What are the main pathologic/immunologic factors that cause skin ISDs? What is the role of the skin microenvironment? What changes in the protein profile and gene expression are observed in ISDs? Can these changes be inhibited by stimulation with immunological factors? What is the role of exosomes in skin pathologies?

In this Special Issue, I would like to focus on the role that is not yet fully understood and summarize what is known about exosomes in terms of their therapeutic possibilities and inhibition of immune system hyperreactivity in skin diseases. Any articles that focus on understanding the immunological aspects that we observe in skin atopy are welcome. These can be original research articles as well as reviews. Research areas include, but are not limited to, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, autoinflammatory skin diseases, allergic contact dermatitis, etc.

Dr. Natalia Karolina Kordulewska
Guest Editor

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