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Pathomechanisms of Contact Sensitization

  • Allergic Skin Diseases (L Fonacier, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Allergy and Asthma Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Contact sensitization is the initial process involved in the development of an allergic reaction to xenobiotic environmental substances. Here, we briefly describe the differences between irritant and allergic contact dermatitis. Then, we highlight the essential steps involved in the development of an ACD reaction, i.e., the protein binding of haptens, genetic factors influencing the penetration of sensitizers into the skin, the different mechanisms driving the initial development of an inflammatory cytokine micromilieu enabling the full maturation of dendritic cells, the role of pre- and pro-haptens, antigen presentation and T cell activation via MHC and CD1 molecules, dendritic cell (DC) migration, and potential LC contribution as well as the different T cell subsets involved in ACD. In addition, we discuss the latest publications regarding factors that might influence the sensitizing potential such as repeated sensitizer application, penetration enhancers, humidity of the skin, microbiota, Tregs, and phthalates. Last but not least, we briefly touch upon novel targets for drug development that might serve as treatment options for ACD.

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Abbreviations

ACD:

Allergic contact dermatitis

ATP:

Adenosine triphosphate

CD:

Contact dermatitis

CHS:

Contact hypersensitivity

DAMP:

Damage-associated molecular pattern

DNCB:

2,4-Dinitro-1-chlorobenzene

DNFB:

2,4-Dinitro-1-fluorobenzene

DINP:

Di-iso-nonyl phthalate

FITC:

Fluorescein isothiocyanate

HBD:

Human beta defensin

HMGB1:

High-mobility group box 1

HSA:

Human serum albumin

ICD:

Irritant contact dermatitis

LN:

Lymph node

MCI:

Methylchloroisothiazolinone

OXA:

Oxazolone

SDS:

Sodium dodecylsulfate

PPD:

Para phenylenediamine

QSAR:

Quantitative structure-activity relationship

TCR:

T cell receptor

TLR:

Toll-like receptor

TRM :

(Skin) resident memory T cell

TCM :

(Lymph node) resident central memory T cell

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  1. Allergy Research Group, Department of Dermatology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 7, 79104, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany

    Philipp R. Esser & Stefan F. Martin

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Esser, P.R., Martin, S.F. Pathomechanisms of Contact Sensitization. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 17, 83 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-017-0752-8

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