Summary

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects both children and adults, with complex and multiple consequences on the individual and on society. Its main mechanism of production is the type 2 inflammation, which involves T helper 2 cells and innate lymphoid cells, and is exerted through several cytokines with various effects, the most important being IL-4 and IL-13. The knowledge of these events, acquired in recent years, has led to the emergence of revolutionary therapies, which today manage the proper control of this disease, including its moderate and severe forms. Dupixent (Dupilumab) is the first such therapy – a human IgG4 monoclonal antibody that inhibits the signalling performed by the 2 cytokines mentioned above. The effects of this inhibition are multiple, including the fast, sustained and significant improvement of the signs, symptoms and quality of life of these patients, whether adults or teenagers with a minimum age of 12 years, under a favourable safety profile and without the shortcomings of a cortisone or immunosuppressive medication.