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395 changes: 395 additions & 0 deletions kb/disorders/Atopic_Dermatitis.yaml
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name: Atopic Dermatitis
category: Complex
parents:
- Dermatological Disease
- Chronic Inflammatory Disease
- Allergic Disease
has_subtypes:
- name: Early-Onset Atopic Dermatitis
description: Onset in infancy or early childhood, often associated with the
atopic march progressing to asthma and allergic rhinitis.
- name: Adult-Onset Atopic Dermatitis
description: First presentation in adulthood, often with different clinical
distribution and associations compared to childhood-onset disease.
- name: Extrinsic Atopic Dermatitis
description: Associated with IgE-mediated sensitization to environmental
allergens. Elevated serum IgE and positive skin prick tests.
- name: Intrinsic Atopic Dermatitis
description: Without IgE-mediated sensitization. Normal serum IgE levels.
Represents approximately 20% of cases.
pathophysiology:
- name: Epidermal Barrier Dysfunction
description: Loss-of-function mutations in filaggrin (FLG) and other barrier
proteins lead to impaired skin barrier integrity, increased transepidermal
water loss, and enhanced allergen penetration. This is the primary
initiating event in many patients.
genes:
- preferred_term: FLG
term:
id: hgnc:3748
label: FLG
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: Keratinization
term:
id: GO:0031424
label: keratinization
cell_types:
- preferred_term: Keratinocyte
term:
id: CL:0000312
label: keratinocyte
evidence:
- reference: PMID:16550169
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Filaggrin is a key protein that facilitates terminal
differentiation of the epidermis and formation of the skin barrier. Here
we show that two independent loss-of-function genetic variants (R510X
[sic, correct designation is R501X] and 2282del4) in the gene encoding
filaggrin (FLG) are very strong predisposing factors for atopic
dermatitis.
explanation: Landmark study establishing FLG loss-of-function as the
strongest genetic risk factor for atopic dermatitis, with ~9% carrier
frequency in Europeans.
- reference: PMID:21388665
supports: PARTIAL
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: They are similar in that they are complex inherited diseases
involving genes that encode immune components and structural proteins that
regulate differentiation of epidermal cells. Each disease is characterized
by proliferation of epidermal keratinocytes and abnormal cornification or
terminal differentiation in the epidermis
explanation: Describes the epidermal barrier dysfunction in atopic
dermatitis including abnormal cornification and keratinocyte
differentiation.
- name: Type 2 Immune Response
description: Th2-skewed immune response drives the hallmark inflammation.
IL-4, IL-13, and IL-31 promote IgE production, eosinophil recruitment, and
pruritus. IL-4/IL-13 signaling through JAK1/STAT6 further impairs barrier
function by downregulating filaggrin and other barrier proteins.
genes:
- preferred_term: IL4
term:
id: hgnc:6014
label: IL4
- preferred_term: IL13
term:
id: hgnc:5973
label: IL13
- preferred_term: IL31
term:
id: hgnc:19372
label: IL31
- preferred_term: STAT6
term:
id: hgnc:11368
label: STAT6
downstream:
- target: Epidermal Barrier Dysfunction
description: IL-4 and IL-13 downregulate filaggrin expression, creating a
vicious cycle of barrier disruption and immune activation.
- target: Pruritogen-Induced Neuronal Activation
description: IL-31 signaling contributes to neuronal itch signaling in
lesional skin.
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: Type 2 immune response
term:
id: GO:0042092
label: type 2 immune response
- preferred_term: T-helper 2 cell differentiation
term:
id: GO:0045064
label: T-helper 2 cell differentiation
- preferred_term: Interleukin-4-mediated signaling pathway
term:
id: GO:0035771
label: interleukin-4-mediated signaling pathway
- preferred_term: IgE isotype switching
term:
id: GO:0035708
label: interleukin-4-dependent isotype switching to IgE isotypes
cell_types:
- preferred_term: T-helper 2 cell
term:
id: CL:0000546
label: T-helper 2 cell
- preferred_term: Group 2 innate lymphoid cell
term:
id: CL:0001069
label: group 2 innate lymphoid cell
- preferred_term: Eosinophil
term:
id: CL:0000771
label: eosinophil
- preferred_term: Mast cell
term:
id: CL:0000097
label: mast cell
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30819278
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Type 2 cytokines as well as interleukin 17 and interleukin 22
contribute to skin barrier dysfunction and the development of AD.
explanation: Confirms the role of type 2 cytokines in AD pathophysiology and
their contribution to barrier dysfunction, supporting the Th2/type 2
immune mechanism.
- reference: PMID:21388665
supports: PARTIAL
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: skin lesions contain immune infiltrates of T cells, dendritic
cells, and other types of leukocytes. We review similarities between the
diseases and differences in epidermal barrier defects and immune cells.
explanation: Describes the immune cell infiltrates in AD lesions including T
cells and dendritic cells, consistent with type 2 immune response.
- name: Th17/Th22 Inflammation
description: In addition to the dominant Th2 response, Th17 and Th22 cells
contribute to inflammation, particularly in acute lesions and Asian
patients. IL-17 and IL-22 further disrupt epidermal differentiation.
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: T-helper 17 type immune response
term:
id: GO:0072538
label: T-helper 17 type immune response
cell_types:
- preferred_term: T-helper 17 cell
term:
id: CL:0000899
label: T-helper 17 cell
- name: Pruritogen-Induced Neuronal Activation
description: IL-31 and other pruritogens activate cutaneous sensory neurons,
generating persistent itch in atopic dermatitis.
genes:
- preferred_term: IL31
term:
id: hgnc:19372
label: IL31
downstream:
- target: Scratching-Induced Barrier Injury
description: Persistent itch drives repetitive scratching behavior.
cell_types:
- preferred_term: Sensory neuron
term:
id: CL:0000101
label: sensory neuron
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30819278
supports: PARTIAL
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: New insights into the pathophysiology of AD have focused on
epidermal lipid profiles, neuroimmune interactions, and microbial
dysbiosis.
explanation: Supports neuroimmune signaling as a component of AD
pathophysiology.
- name: Scratching-Induced Barrier Injury
description: Repetitive scratching causes mechanical skin injury and worsens
epidermal barrier dysfunction.
downstream:
- target: Secondary Inflammatory Amplification
description: Mechanical barrier injury increases local inflammatory
activation.
cell_types:
- preferred_term: Keratinocyte
term:
id: CL:0000312
label: keratinocyte
- name: Secondary Inflammatory Amplification
description: Barrier injury from scratching perpetuates inflammatory signaling
and contributes to chronic lesion persistence.
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: Inflammatory response
term:
id: GO:0006954
label: inflammatory response
cell_types:
- preferred_term: Keratinocyte
term:
id: CL:0000312
label: keratinocyte
phenotypes:
- name: Eczematoid Dermatitis
category: Dermatological
frequency: VERY_FREQUENT
diagnostic: true
notes: Erythematous, pruritic patches and plaques with scaling, often in
flexural areas.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Eczematoid dermatitis
term:
id: HP:0000964
label: Eczematoid dermatitis
- name: Pruritus
category: Dermatological
frequency: VERY_FREQUENT
diagnostic: true
notes: Intense itching is the hallmark symptom, often worse at night.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Pruritus
term:
id: HP:0000989
label: Pruritus
- name: Xerosis
category: Dermatological
frequency: VERY_FREQUENT
notes: Generalized dry skin reflecting barrier dysfunction.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Xerosis
term:
id: HP:0000958
label: Dry skin
- name: Lichenification
category: Dermatological
frequency: FREQUENT
notes: Thickened, leathery skin from chronic scratching.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Lichenification
term:
id: HP:0100725
label: Lichenification
- name: Elevated Serum IgE
category: Immunological
frequency: FREQUENT
notes: Present in extrinsic subtype (~80% of patients).
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Elevated serum IgE
term:
id: HP:0003212
label: Increased circulating IgE concentration
genetic:
- name: FLG
association: Associated
notes: Loss-of-function variants are the strongest genetic risk factor. R501X
and 2282del4 are common in European populations.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:16550169
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: two independent loss-of-function genetic variants (R510X
[sic, correct designation is R501X] and 2282del4) in the gene encoding
filaggrin (FLG) are very strong predisposing factors for atopic
dermatitis. These variants are carried by approximately 9% of people of
European origin.
explanation: Landmark Palmer et al. 2006 study establishing FLG
loss-of-function as the major genetic predisposing factor for atopic
dermatitis.
- name: IL4R
association: Associated
notes: Variants in IL-4 receptor alpha chain affect Th2 signaling intensity.
- name: IL13
association: Associated
notes: Variants affecting IL-13 expression or function.
- name: STAT6
association: Associated
notes: Transcription factor downstream of IL-4/IL-13 signaling.
- name: EMSY
association: Associated
notes: Chromatin remodeling factor identified in GWAS.
- name: BACH2
association: GWAS
notes: Transcription factor regulating Treg/effector T cell balance and B cell
class switching
- name: TNFAIP3
association: GWAS
notes: Encodes A20, a ubiquitin-editing enzyme that negatively regulates NF-kB
signaling
- name: EGR2
association: GWAS
notes: Transcription factor involved in T cell anergy and peripheral tolerance
- name: ETS1
association: GWAS
notes: Transcription factor regulating T and B cell development and immune
cell differentiation
- name: IRF4
association: GWAS
notes: Transcription factor essential for Th17 and Th2 cell differentiation
and plasma cell development
- name: SATB1
association: GWAS
notes: Chromatin organizer regulating T cell development and lineage
commitment
- name: SMAD3
association: GWAS
notes: TGF-beta signaling mediator regulating T cell differentiation and
immune tolerance
- name: REL
association: GWAS
notes: NF-kB subunit c-Rel controlling lymphocyte activation and survival
environmental:
- name: Allergen Exposure
description: House dust mites, pet dander, and pollens can trigger or
exacerbate disease.
effect: TRIGGERS
- name: Skin Irritants
description: Soaps, detergents, and harsh fabrics disrupt the already
compromised barrier.
effect: TRIGGERS
- name: Microbial Dysbiosis
description: Staphylococcus aureus colonization is found in >90% of lesional
skin and amplifies inflammation through superantigens and biofilm formation.
effect: WORSENS
treatments:
- name: Emollients and Moisturizers
description: First-line treatment to restore skin barrier function and reduce
transepidermal water loss.
- name: Topical Corticosteroids
description: First-line anti-inflammatory treatment for flares, applied to
affected areas.
- name: Dupilumab
description: Monoclonal antibody targeting IL-4 receptor alpha, blocking both
IL-4 and IL-13 signaling. FDA-approved for moderate-to-severe atopic
dermatitis.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: pharmacotherapy
term:
id: MAXO:0000058
label: pharmacotherapy
- name: JAK Inhibitors
description: Oral (baricitinib, upadacitinib, abrocitinib) and topical
(ruxolitinib) JAK inhibitors targeting the JAK-STAT pathway downstream of
type 2 cytokines.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: pharmacotherapy
term:
id: MAXO:0000058
label: pharmacotherapy
- name: Phototherapy
description: Narrowband UVB phototherapy for moderate-to-severe disease.
disease_term:
preferred_term: atopic dermatitis
term:
id: MONDO:0004980
label: atopic eczema
references:
- reference: DOI:10.1007/s13555-025-01352-y
title: 'Interleukin-4 and Atopic Dermatitis: Why Does it Matter? A Narrative Review'
findings: []
- reference: DOI:10.1038/s41467-023-41857-8
title: Multifaceted analysis of cross-tissue transcriptomes reveals
phenotype–endotype associations in atopic dermatitis
findings: []
- reference: DOI:10.1126/sciimmunol.abi6887
title: IL-31–dependent neurogenic inflammation restrains cutaneous type 2
immune response in allergic dermatitis
findings: []
- reference: DOI:10.1186/s43556-025-00313-3
title: 'Atopic dermatitis: diagnosis, molecular pathogenesis, and therapeutics'
findings: []
- reference: DOI:10.14789/ejmj.jmj24-0036-r
title: Mechanisms of Itch in Atopic Dermatitis
findings: []
- reference: DOI:10.3390/jcm12041538
title: 'The Role of Tight Junctions in Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review'
findings: []
- reference: DOI:10.3390/jcm14145053
title: 'Anti-Inflammatory Therapies for Atopic Dermatitis: A New Era in Targeted
Treatment'
findings: []
- reference: DOI:10.64898/2026.01.10.26343854
title: 'Protective and Susceptibility Clusters of Environmental Factors, Gene Expression,
Antibody Responses, and Cytokines in Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis: Insights from
Multi-Modal Data Integration'
findings: []
- reference: DOI:10.7759/cureus.86937
title: 'Skin Barrier Dysfunction in Chronic Dermatoses: From Pathophysiology to
Emerging Therapeutic Strategies'
findings: []
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