[Cathelicidin LL-37. A central factor in the pathogenesis of inflammatory dermatoses?].

Abstract

Keratinocytes produce and secrete antimicrobial peptides which function as endogenous antibiotics and as signaling molecules within the cutaneous innate immune system. Recent studies demonstrate that the antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin LL-37 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atopic eczema, rosacea and psoriasis. Whereas skin in atopic eczema shows decreased cathelicidin expression which leads to increased susceptibility to superinfection in those patients, overabundant expression of cathelicidin peptide fragments causes inflammation in rosacea. Finally, in psoriasis cathelicidin peptide binds to self DNA which triggers an autoimmune response. These studies demonstrate the role of cathelicidin as a central factor in the pathogenesis of cutaneous inflammation. Therapies targeting cathelicidin expression and function could lead to new treatments for these diseases.

• Authors: J Schauber, T Ruzicka, R A Rupec
• Journal: Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete (Hautarzt) Vol. 59 Issue 1 Pg. 72-4 (Jan 2008) ISSN: 1432-1173 [Electronic] Germany
• Vernacular Title: Cathelicidin LL-37. Ein zentraler Faktor in der Pathogenese entzündlicher Dermatosen?
• PMID: 18209993 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Cathelicidins

Topics

• Animals
• Cathelicidins (metabolism)
• Dermatitis (metabolism)
• Humans
• Models, Biological
• Signal Transduction