IL-18 skews the invariant NKT-cell population via autoreactive activation in atopic eczema.

Atopic eczema (AE) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease where the commensal yeast Malassezia can act as a microbial trigger factor. Malassezia activates human DC to produce IL-18, an innate cytokine that is elevated in serum of AE patients; however, the precise role of IL-18 in human AE etiology is unknown. Herein, we investigated the effect of IL-18 on the human invariant NKT (iNKT) cell compartment in AE.

Sensitization to the yeast Malassezia sympodialis is specific for extrinsic and intrinsic atopic eczema.

The opportunistic yeast Malassezia sympodialis belongs to the normal cutaneous flora but can also cause IgE-mediated sensitization in patients suffering from atopic eczema (AE). We investigated 706 individuals by ImmunoCAPm70 and skin-prick tests with a crude M. sympodialis extract.

Positive atopy patch test reaction to Malassezia furfur in atopic dermatitis correlates with a T helper 2-like peripheral blood mononuclear cells response.

The yeast Malassezia furfur belongs to the normal cutaneous flora, but is also a triggering allergen that can contribute to atopic dermatitis. To illuminate the effect of circulating allergen-specific T cells in atopic dermatitis, the peripheral mononuclear cell response was correlated with the in vivo skin prick test and atopy patch test reactivity to M. furfur.

Atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome and Malassezia.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic multifactorial inflammatory skin disease, which has had a marked increase in prevalence during the last decades. Recently, a new nomenclature was recommended where the term 'atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome' (AEDS) should be used to reflect the heterogeneity in this group of patients and where those patients without measurable IgE reactivity should be classified as either 'nonallergic AEDS' or 'non-IgE-associated allergic AEDS'. For nearly 20 years it has been discussed whether the opportunistic yeast Malassezia, previously designated Pityrosporum, is a contributing factor to AEDS.