Recent considerations in the use of recombinant interferon gamma for biological therapy of atopic dermatitis

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common inflammatory skin disease in the general population. There are different endophenotypes of AD that likely have a unique immune and molecular basis, such as those who are predisposed to eczema herpeticum, or Staphylococcus aureus infections.

Areas Covered: In this review, we highlight the endophenotypes of AD where reduced interferon gamma expression may be playing a role. Additionally, we review the potential role of recombinant interferon gamma therapy in the treatment of atopic dermatitis and the particular phenotypes that may benefit from this treatment.

Expert Opinion: Recombinant interferon gamma treatment will likely benefit the pediatric population with AD, as well as those with susceptibilities for skin infections. Future studies are needed to elucidate whether IFN-γ may reduce the prevalence of skin infection in AD.

KEYWORDS:

• Atopic dermatitis
• biological
• interferon gamma
• eczema herpeticum
• skin infection

Article highlights

• Reduced interferon gamma (IFN-γ) expression plays a role in the development of atopic dermatitis (AD).

• Recombinant IFN-γ therapy may be considered as treatment in patients with moderate to severe AD.

• Recombinant IFN-γ therapy is used in chronic granulomatous disease to enhance neutrophil function against organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus.

• IFN-γ therapy may be considered in those with AD with predisposition toward infections with Staphylococcus aureus or herpes simplex virus.

• IFN-γ therapy may benefit young children with AD as they have reduced expression of IFN-γ.

This box summarizes key points in the article.

Financial and competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by NIH/NIAMS grant R01 AR41256