The Epithelium Takes Centre Stage in Asthma and Atopic Dermatitis

Asthma and atopic dermatitis are epithelial disorders in which T helper 2 (Th2)-type inflammation has a prominent role. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a cytokine produced by the skin and airway epithelium that is capable of directing dendritic cells towards a Th2 response, thereby providing an essential link between epithelial cell activation and allergic-type inflammation. In addition, TSLP can interact directly with mast cells to initiate Th2 cytokine production to also provide a non-T cell route to mediate its pro-allergic effects. Induction of TSLP production occurs through the activation of epithelial Toll-like receptors to provide an important new link between innate immunity and allergic disease.