Skin ‑ a vast organ with immunological function (Review)

Maranduca,Minela   Aida; Hurjui,Loredana   Liliana; Branisteanu,Daniel   Constantin; Serban,Dragomir   Nicolae; Branisteanu,Daciana   Elena; Dima,Nicoleta; Serban,Ionela   Lacramioara

doi:10.3892/etm.2020.8619

Skin ‑ a vast organ with immunological function (Review)

Authors:
- Minela Aida Maranduca
- Loredana Liliana Hurjui
- Daniel Constantin Branisteanu
- Dragomir Nicolae Serban
- Daciana Elena Branisteanu
- Nicoleta Dima
- Ionela Lacramioara Serban
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Affiliations: Department of Physiology, ‘Grigore T. Popa’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania, Department of Opthalmology, ‘Grigore T. Popa’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania, Department of Dermatology, ‘Grigore T. Popa’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania, Department of Internal Medicine, ‘Grigore T. Popa’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
Published online on: March 20, 2020 https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2020.8619
Pages: 18-23

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Abstract

The skin is an organ with multiple functions, where important inflammatory and immunological processes take place. The integrity of the skin barrier is necessary for it to fulfill its roles. An intact skin barrier requires a physiological keratinization process, but also a normal cutaneous microbial flora. Any change in the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes entails the disruption of the skin barrier and the triggering of inflammatory and immunological processes at this level, in response to the aggression of external pathogens. Also, there are several specialised immune cells in the skin (Langerhans cells, T regulator cells, T helper cells), that maintain a balance between pro‑inflammatory and anti‑inflammatory processes at this level. Disturbing the immune homeostasis causes inflammation and allergic skin reaction. Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis are two inflammatory diseases of the skin, characterized by perturbation of the mechanisms of skin barrier formation. The immune system of the skin is also involved in the pathophysiology of vitiligo and pemphigus. The aim of this review is to offer a brief presentation of the inflammatory and immunological processes that occur in the skin.

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