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The role of thymic stromal lymphopoietin in cutaneous disorders

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Abstract

Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin (TSLP) is an important cytokine that invokes early immune responses. TSLP, an IL-7-like cytokine encoded by the TSLP gene, activates JAK1 and JAK2 signaling pathways, stimulating dendritic cells to induce inflammatory Th2 cells. This cytokine is associated with pruritus in various cutaneous disorders, particularly atopic dermatitis. Varying levels of the cytokine TSLP have been demonstrated in studies of different cutaneous disorders. Pharmacological treatment targeting TSLP has been explored recently, particularly in the realm of atopic dermatitis.

This review explores the relation of TSLP to cutaneous diseases, highlighting its potential as a biomarker for monitoring disease progression in discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). The pharmacological therapy involving TSLP is discussed, along with the potential role of TSLP promotion in the treatment of alopecia areata. This overview examines the background, structure, and functions of TSLP, with a focus on its association with cutaneous disorders and a special focus on the impact of the atopic march.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, UTHealth McGovern Medical School, 6500 West Loop South, Suite 200-A, Bellaire, TX, 77401, USA

    Alexander J. Jafari & Adelaide A. Hebert

  2. Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, El Paso, TX, USA

    Melissa Rivera

  3. Department of Pediatrics, UTHealth McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA

    Adelaide A. Hebert

  4. Department of Dermatology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Adelaide A. Hebert

Authors
  1. Alexander J. Jafari
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  2. Melissa Rivera
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  3. Adelaide A. Hebert
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Contributions

A.J.J and A.A.H contributed to the idea conception for the review article. Literature search and material preparation were performed by A.J.J and M.R. Figures 1 and 2 were prepared by M.R. The first draft of the manuscript was written by A.J.J and M.R. and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Adelaide A. Hebert.

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Jafari, A.J., Rivera, M. & Hebert, A.A. The role of thymic stromal lymphopoietin in cutaneous disorders. Arch Dermatol Res 316, 123 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-024-02866-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-024-02866-9

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