Score
2
2006
pubmed
Cytokines, skin, and smallpox-a new link to an antimicrobial Peptide.
Harrison. Jodie M JM; Ramshaw. Ian A IA
Key Findings
- Atopic dermatitis patients have a higher risk of viral infections compared to other skin conditions.
- The cytokine environment in AD skin suppresses the production of the antimicrobial peptide LL‑37.
- Reduced LL‑37 levels weaken the innate immune response to vaccinia (smallpox) virus.
Practical Outcomes
- The takeaway for self‑experimenters is that supporting LL‑37 production—through skin health, vitamin D, or other known stimulators—might improve antiviral defenses, especially for those prone to eczema. Monitoring and managing skin inflammation could be a simple way to keep this peptide active.
Summary
People with atopic dermatitis (eczema) are more likely to get viral infections because the chemicals in their skin stop the body from making the natural antimicrobial peptide LL‑37, which helps fight viruses like smallpox.
Abstract
Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) have an increased risk of infection with several viruses compared to patients with other inflammatory skin disorders such as psoriasis. In this issue of Immunity, it is found that the cytokine milieu in the skin of AD patients profoundly affects the innate response to vaccinia virus (VV) by blocking production of the antimicrobial peptide LL-37.
Study Information
Provider
pubmed
Year
2006
DOI
10.1016/j.immuni.2006.03.003