Figure 7. Vicious circle in allergic skin inflammation, composed of IL-4/IL-13, periostin, and proinflammatory cytokines from keratinocytes.
The exposure of APCs, including DCs, to allergens induces Th2-type responses. IL-4 and IL-13 derived from Th2 cells stimulate fibroblasts to produce periostin. Periostin binds to αv integrin on keratinocytes, inducing proinflammatory cytokines, including TSLP. The proinflammatory cytokines derived from keratinocytes enhance Th2 inflammation.