REVIEW

The Role of the Aromatic Hydrocarbon Receptor in the Pathogenesis of Atopic Dermatitis: Molecular and Genetic Aspects

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is an evolutionary transcription factor that acts as the most important sensor of various exogenous and endogenous molecules. Recent data indicate that AhR is involved in several physiological processes, such as cell physiology, host defense, proliferation and differentiation of immune cells and detoxification. Moreover, AhR has been reported to be involved in the development and maintenance of several pathological conditions. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have been accumulating emphasizing the regulatory role of AhR in skin physiology. However, there is evidence of both beneficial and harmful effects of AHR signaling. Currently, most of the evidence concerns inflammatory skin diseases, in particular atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne and purulent hydradenitis. This review examines the role of AhR in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis, the mechanisms of skin homeostasis and the therapeutic significance of its pharmacological modulation in this skin inflammatory disease