Review of Prominent Cytokines as Superior Therapeutic Targets for Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis

Cytokines predominate the inflammatory pathways in diseases like rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressants are presently the mainstays of treatment for patients with moderate-to-severe disease, but often accompany a poor side effect profile. In this review, we attempt to consolidate current data on various interleukins (IL) that participate in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) to further improve therapeutic strategies. For now, dupilumab is the most accepted biologic to be registered for treatment for moderate-to-severe disease. Recently, IL-37, IL-13, IL-26, IL-17 & IL-31/33 axis as well as proteins like thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) show promising results as future therapeutic targets because of their important role in the pathogenesis of AD. However, further studies are required to clarify the safety and efficacy of these interventions compared to current treatment modalities but it is worthwhile to pursue research into biologics as a more successful treatment option for moderate-to-severe AD.