CC chemokine receptor 4 as a possible target for therapy of atopic dermatitis

The CC chemokine receptor CCR4 is selectively expressed on Th2-type CD4(+) T cells. Therefore, its ligands, thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) and macrophage-derived chemokine, can facilitate the recruitment, activation and development of Th2 polarized cells. The allergic inflammation of atopic dermatitis is characterized by a predominance of Th2-type cells. Some reports suggest that CCR4 and TARC are important for the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. The future aspects of atopic dermatitis therapy that specifically targets CCR4 are discussed. (c) 2002 Prous Science. All rights reserved.