Skin Barrier Function and Immune Mediators as Key Therapeutic Targets of Main Inflammatory Diseases

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Inflammation usually refers to the defensive response of living tissue to inflammatory factors and local damage. The skin, as one of the largest immune organs, is involved in many inflammatory conditions, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, acne, bullous diseases, and hidradenitis suppurativa. These conditions are closely related to severe systemic complications, such as arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, abnormal fat metabolism, nephrosclerosis, and systemic amyloidosis. Timely diagnosis and precision medicine are particularly important for patients, and thus, continued research efforts are required. The following Topic encourages contributors to explore the biological and clinical aspects of the complex interplay between the skin barrier and inflammation, which may act as pivotal actors in the pathogenesis of many diseases. We hope to shed new light on this exciting and insightful field of research from a multidisciplinary perspective. A better understanding of the corresponding pathogenetic mechanisms can aid in the development of new therapeutic agents aimed at eradicating these diseases. We welcome original research papers in addition to critiques and opinion papers. Special clinical cases may also be included. As a part of this Topic, the readership will find accounts of relevant research carried out by numerous healthcare professionals and researchers with extensive knowledge in basic and clinical settings, with the aim of translating basic research into clinical practice.

Dr. Marco Manfredini
Dr. Carlo Pincelli
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Allergies allergies	-	1.8	2021	29.4 Days	CHF 1000	Submit
Cells cells	5.2	11.4	2012	15.5 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Dermato dermato	-	2.1	2021	37.2 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
Immuno immuno	2.5	4.1	2021	28.8 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
International Journal of Molecular Sciences ijms	4.9	10.0	2000	17.8 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Journal of Clinical Medicine jcm	2.9	5.2	2012	18.5 Days	CHF 2600	Submit

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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All Cells Immuno IJMS JCM Allergies Dermato

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18 pages, 1697 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Sex-Specific Transcriptomic Profiles in Psoriatic Lesions: A Large-Scale Integrative Study

by Edia Stemmer, Liat Anabel Sinberger, Tair Lax, Guy Shrem, Inbal Mor and Mali Salmon-Divon

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(10), 4439; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27104439 - 15 May 2026

Viewed by 236

Abstract

Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting men and women equally, presents distinct gender-based differences in severity and treatment response. While molecular mechanisms underlying psoriasis are well-studied, sex-specific differences remain largely unexplored. To address this, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of transcriptomic data [...] Read more.

Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting men and women equally, presents distinct gender-based differences in severity and treatment response. While molecular mechanisms underlying psoriasis are well-studied, sex-specific differences remain largely unexplored. To address this, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of transcriptomic data from lesional psoriasis skin and healthy controls, comparing male and female cohorts. Our findings reveal 2760 overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between sexes, highlighting shared pathways like IL-17 signaling and Th17 differentiation. However, sex-specific pathways emerged, including male-enriched PI3K-Akt signaling and chemokine receptor activity, and female-enriched glycolysis and AHR-NRF2 pathways. Upstream regulator analysis identified sex-specific drivers, including VEGFA activation and CFTR inhibition in males, and AHR activation and FGF21 inhibition in females. Notably, Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and neutrophil abundance differed by sex, aligning with disease severity trends. These results highlight sex-associated molecular and cellular disparities that may be relevant to understanding differences in disease manifestation and treatment response. As an exploratory, hypothesis-generating transcriptomic analysis, this study lays the groundwork for future experimental and clinical validation of sex-specific mechanisms in psoriasis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Skin Barrier Function and Immune Mediators as Key Therapeutic Targets of Main Inflammatory Diseases)

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10 pages, 648 KB  

Open AccessArticle

The Potential Link and Role of Zyxin in the Pathogenesis of Psoriasis and Its Associated Comorbidities

by Mateusz Matwiejuk, Agnieszka Kulczyńska-Przybik, Bartłomiej Łukaszuk, Hanna Myśliwiec, Piotr Myśliwiec, Adrian Chabowski, Barbara Mroczko and Iwona Flisiak

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(2), 639; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27020639 - 8 Jan 2026

Viewed by 700

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disorder with immunological, metabolic, and environmental components. It affects not only the skin but also the nails, joints, and vascular system. A total of 50 patients with psoriasis and 28 healthy controls took part in this study. Serum [...] Read more.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disorder with immunological, metabolic, and environmental components. It affects not only the skin but also the nails, joints, and vascular system. A total of 50 patients with psoriasis and 28 healthy controls took part in this study. Serum samples were gathered both from the psoriatic group and the control group. Serum zyxin concentrations were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Our results revealed that serum zyxin amounts were significantly higher in patients with psoriasis compared with the controls. However, no statistically significant correlations were found between serum zyxin levels and inflammatory or metabolic parameters in the psoriasis group. Similarly, there was no significant correlation between zyxin level and disease severity as assessed by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score. To sum up, our study demonstrates that serum zyxin levels are significantly elevated in patients with psoriasis compared with controls. Nevertheless, the precise role of zyxin in the aetiology of psoriasis remains unclear. Further research is needed to clarify the function of this protein in the disease process and to explore its potential as a therapeutic target. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Skin Barrier Function and Immune Mediators as Key Therapeutic Targets of Main Inflammatory Diseases)

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20 pages, 848 KB  

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Atopic Dermatitis: Pathophysiology and Emerging Treatments

by Ernestina B. Hansen-Sackey and Stella Hartono

Allergies 2025, 5(4), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/allergies5040040 - 10 Nov 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 10103

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease marked by pruritus and eczematous lesions that significantly impacts patient quality of life. This review covers the intricate interplay of barrier dysfunction, immune dysregulation, and microbial dysbiosis in the complex pathophysiology of AD. The [...] Read more.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease marked by pruritus and eczematous lesions that significantly impacts patient quality of life. This review covers the intricate interplay of barrier dysfunction, immune dysregulation, and microbial dysbiosis in the complex pathophysiology of AD. The roles of epigenetic factors and environmental exposures are also examined. The evolving understanding of these factors has revolutionized AD treatment. Beyond foundational topical agents, the landscape for moderate-to-severe AD treatment is now dominated by highly targeted immunotherapies, such as biologics and Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors, that precisely block specific inflammatory pathways. Emerging strategies explore microbiome modulation and vitamin D supplementation. This paradigm shift from broad immunosuppression to precision medicine offers improved disease control and reduced systemic toxicities and enables more personalized AD management, significantly benefiting patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Skin Barrier Function and Immune Mediators as Key Therapeutic Targets of Main Inflammatory Diseases)

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22 pages, 1794 KB  

Open AccessReview

Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps: Window of Immunologic Responses and Horizon of Biological Therapies

by Simin Farokhi, Seyed Mehdi Tabaie, Arshia Fakouri, Shirin Manshouri, Nikoo Emtiazi, Ayda Sanaei, Mohammad Mahjoor, Amir Mohammad Akbari, Ali Daneshvar and Farhad Seif

Immuno 2025, 5(3), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/immuno5030026 - 11 Jul 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 8293

Abstract

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a multifaceted inflammatory disorder characterized by distinct immunopathogenic entities, including type 2 inflammation mediated by cytokines such as interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, and IL-13. These cytokines contribute to eosinophilic inflammation, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and mucus overproduction, resulting [...] Read more.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a multifaceted inflammatory disorder characterized by distinct immunopathogenic entities, including type 2 inflammation mediated by cytokines such as interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, and IL-13. These cytokines contribute to eosinophilic inflammation, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and mucus overproduction, resulting in polyp formation. Advances in molecular understanding have resulted in the identification of CRSwNP endotypes, suggesting personalized treatment approaches. Conventional therapies, such as intranasal and systemic corticosteroids, provide symptom relief but are restricted by side effects and polyp recurrence, necessitating the development of novel targeted approaches. Biologic therapies represent a breakthrough in CRSwNP management. Monoclonal antibodies such as dupilumab, omalizumab, mepolizumab, and Benralizumab (IL-5 receptor alpha) target key mediators of type 2 inflammation, leading to substantial improvements in polyp size, symptom control, and quality of life. Additionally, emerging therapies like tezepelumab and brodalumab aim to address broader immune mechanisms, including type 1 and type 3 inflammation. These advancements enable tailored treatment approaches that optimize outcomes and reduce reliance on surgical interventions. Biomarker-driven research continues to refine CRSwNP classification and treatment efficacy, emphasizing precision medicine. Future efforts should focus on expanding the therapeutic landscape, investigating long-term impacts of biologics, and exploring their combinatory potential to improve disease control. This review discusses the role of innate and adaptive immunity in the pathogenesis of CRSwNP and suggests novel cytokine-targeted strategies for further considering personalized medicine in future therapeutic plans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Skin Barrier Function and Immune Mediators as Key Therapeutic Targets of Main Inflammatory Diseases)

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