How Biologics Work
Atopic dermatitis is partly caused by an overactive immune system, which triggers the release of inflammatory molecules called cytokines — particularly interleukin-4 (IL-4) — when it detects, for example, irritants such as pollen or perfume.
IL-4
This cascade of inflammation can cause the skin barrier to produce less moisture than normal, resulting in dry, cracked skin that’s prone to itching and irritation.
The process also causes an overgrowth of bacteria and yeast on the skin, leading to even more inflammation and a further reduction in moisture— a vicious cycle.
This cascade of inflammation can cause the upper layer of skin, called the skin barrier, to produce less moisture than normal. This results in dry, cracked skin that’s prone to itching and irritation.
Current biologics work by binding to a receptor on the IL-4 molecules, which prevents them from triggering the cascade of inflammation that causes itchiness and irritation. Halting this process then restores skin to its normal state.
Replay
This process causes an overgrowth of bacteria and yeast to develop on the skin, leading to even more inflammation and a further reduction in moisture — a vicious cycle.
