Mechanism

Cytokine Signaling

Cell-to-cell signaling proteins (IL-17, IL-23, TNF, IL-4/13) that orchestrate skin inflammation.

Guideline

What it is

Cytokines are the molecular language of immune coordination in skin.

Different cytokine axes underlie different conditions, which is why modern targeted therapies focus on specific pathways such as IL-17 or IL-23 in psoriasis, or IL-4/IL-13 in atopic dermatitis.

Why it matters

Understanding cytokine axes clarifies why the same word — 'inflammation' — can mean very different biology across conditions.

Related mechanisms

ImmunologyGuideline

Immune Response

Adaptive and innate immune signaling that drives inflammation and shapes chronic skin disease.

ImmunologyReview

Inflammation

Innate immune response producing redness, swelling, and discomfort in affected skin.

Ingredient axes

Ingredients that interact with this step

anti inflammatoryGuideline

Biologics

Immune pathway targeting (Expert Mode)

Targeted antibodies and similar agents that modulate specific cytokine pathways in inflammatory skin disease.

anti inflammatoryGuideline

Anti-Inflammatory Treatments

Anti-inflammatory axis

General class — corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and similar agents — used in inflammatory skin disease.