Mutual Antagonism of T Cells Causing Psoriasis and Atopic Eczema

Abstract

The simultaneous occurrence of psoriasis driven by type 1 helper T (Th1) cells and
\ntype 17 helper T (Th17) cells and atopic eczema dominated by type 2 helper T (Th2)
\ncells is rare. Here, we describe three patients with co-occurring psoriasis and atopic
\neczema with an antagonistic course and distinct T-cell infiltrates in lesions from
\npsoriasis and those from atopic eczema. Sensitized patients with psoriasis had a reaction
\nto epicutaneous allergen challenge, with clinically and histologically verified
\neczema lesions containing a large number of allergen-reactive T cells. These findings
\nsupport a causative role for T cells triggered by specific antigens in both psoriasis
\nand atopic eczema.