Decoding the Molecular Landscape of Atopic Dermatitis: Bridging Mechanisms, Biomarkers, and Therapeutics

A special issue of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737). This special issue belongs to the section "Biochemistry and Molecular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 146

Special Issue Editors

Atopy (Allergy) Research Center, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
Interests: skin barrier; antimicrobial peptide; atopic dermatitis; allergy; skin inflammation

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Co-Guest Editor
Atopy (Allergy) Research Center, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
Interests: antimicrobial protein; host defense; skin barrier; infection; skin immunology; keratinocyte

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a multifactorial, chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting millions worldwide, with rising prevalence and significant impact on quality of life. Despite advances in understanding its complex pathogenesis—spanning genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, epidermal barrier dysfunction, and environmental triggers—critical gaps remain in deciphering the molecular networks driving disease heterogeneity, progression, and therapeutic resistance. Recent breakthroughs in omics technologies (e.g., single-cell RNA sequencing, proteomics), CRISPR-based functional studies, and high-resolution imaging have unveiled novel insights into cytokine signaling (e.g., IL-4/IL-13, IL-17/IL-22, TSLP), neuroimmune interactions, and microbiome–host crosstalk. However, challenges persist in translating these findings into personalized therapies and biomarkers for diverse AD endotypes.

This Special Issue, “Decoding the Molecular Landscape of Atopic Dermatitis: Bridging Mechanisms, Biomarkers, and Therapeutics”, invites reviews, perspectives, or opinions and original research articles addressing unresolved questions in AD pathogenesis. Topics of interest may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Immune–epidermal axis dysregulation (e.g., JAK-STAT, NF-κB pathways);
  • Filaggrin-dependent and -independent barrier defects;
  • Role of the skin microbiome and microbial metabolites in inflammation;
  • Epigenetic regulation, circadian rhythms, and stress-responsive pathways;
  • Novel therapeutic targets (e.g., biologics, small-molecule inhibitors) and biomarker discovery;
  • Pediatric-to-adult transition mechanisms and comorbidities (e.g., asthma, food allergies).

By synthesizing molecular, clinical, and translational perspectives, this Special Issue aims to bridge mechanistic discoveries and therapeutic innovations. Submissions involving interdisciplinary approaches (e.g., immunology, bioinformatics, biology, dermatology) are particularly encouraged.

Dr. Ge Peng
Prof. Dr. Francois Niyonsaba
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • atopic dermatitis
  • molecular pathogenesis
  • immune dysregulation
  • epidermal barrier dysfunction
  • skin microbiome
  • cytokine signaling
  • JAK-STAT pathway
  • therapeutic biomarkers
  • precision dermatology
  • neuroimmune interactions

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Published Papers

This special issue is now open for submission.
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