ABSTRACT
Expression of allergic contact dermatitis requires efficient recruitment of T cells and other leukocytes at the site of penetration of haptens. The ability o fT cells to circulate in the skin environment is defined by their homing and chemokine receptor asset, and is directed by the chemokine repertoire expressed by resident skin cell populations, such as keratinocytes, fibroblasts, dendritic cells, mast cells and endothelial cells. Moreover, incoming T cells, once activated, become themselves a source of chemokines, and direcdy contribute to the afflux of new waves of circulating leukocytes. At a later time point, the recruitment of T lymphocytes with regulatory function appears critical for the termination of the immune reac tion. In this scenario, the possibility to target endothelial receptors, chemokines or chemokine receptors may offer new opportunities for therapeutic interventions.
