Chronic activation of Toll-like receptor 2 induces an ichthyotic skin phenotype.

Background: Ichthyosis defines a group of chronic conditions that manifest phenotypically as a thick layer of scales, often affecting the entire skin. While the gene mutations that lead to ichthyosis are well documented, the actual signalling mechanisms that lead to scaling are poorly characterized; however, recent publications suggest that common mechanisms are active in ichthyotic tissue and in analogous models of ichthyosis.

Objectives: To determine common mechanisms of hyperkeratosis that may be easily targeted with small-molecule inhibitors.