Cutaneous Barriers and Skin Immunity: Differentiating A Connected Network

Trends Immunol. 2018 Apr;39(4):315-327. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2018.02.004. Epub 2018 Mar 15.

Abstract

The skin is the outermost barrier of the organism that ensures protection from external harm. Lately, our view of the skin has evolved from an inert mechanical barrier to an active organ that can sense danger signals and mount perfectly adapted defense measures in response to invading pathogens. This Review highlights the different levels of the cutaneous barrier (the microbiome, chemical, physical, and immune barriers), their characteristics, and functional, highly interconnected network of cells and mediators that allow balanced defense measures to protect the body and maintain barrier integrity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate*
  • Microbiota / immunology*
  • Skin / immunology*
  • Skin / microbiology

Substances

  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides