Gamma-delta (γδ) T cell-derived cytokines (IL-4, IL-17, IFN-γ and IL-10) and their possible implications for atopic dermatitis development

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic disease related to skin disorders that affect individuals in their childhood and can persist or start in adulthood. Patients affected by this disease commonly show skin lesions on the body surface (mainly on the upper and lower limbs) and allergic rhinitis or asthma crises. Looking at the disease from a molecular perspective, the major cytokines involved in inflammatory skin diseases, not only AD, include IL-4, IL-17, IFN-gamma and IL-10. Although they can produce these cytokines and infiltrate the affected epithelia in patients with AD, gamma delta T cells are still almost unexplored. In this update, we briefly discuss the involvement of IL-4, IL-17, IFN-gamma and IL-10 in the pathophysiology of AD and the possible role of gamma delta T cells during the inflammatory process.