Atopic dermatitis endotypes: knowledge for personalized medicine

Purpose of review Endotypes are clinically relevant phenotypes that can be explained by molecular mechanisms, and are defined to predict the development, progression, prognosis and responses to treatment on the individual level. This review summarizes atopic dermatitis phenotypes, endotypes and their potential application for personalized medicine. Recent findings Atopic dermatitis can be classified into several phenotypes according to disease courses that likely have common pathophysiology. The genotype is important to define endotypes, but the value of genotype alone remains somewhat limited in most atopic dermatitis patients. Recent studies have demonstrated that atopic dermatitis phenotypes according to ethnicity or age can be classified into endotypes based on the dominant immunologic markers, that is T(H)1/T(H)2/T(H)17/T(H)22 cells. Newly developed biologic agents targeting specific cytokines show therapeutic potential in a personalized medicine approach. Cytokine-based endotypes in different age groups or ethnic groups have contributed to expanding our understanding of atopic dermatitis. Recent biologics or small molecules can be used for more personalized treatment of atopic dermatitis. Further research using integrated multiomic analysis is needed to define a more detailed classification of endotypes and provide endotype-driven targeted therapies for personalized medicine.

Automated summary

The review discusses the phenotypes and endotypes of atopic dermatitis and their potential use in personalized medicine. Atopic dermatitis can be classified into different phenotypes based on disease courses, and recent studies have shown that these phenotypes can be further categorized into endotypes based on immunologic markers. New biologic agents targeting specific cytokines have shown therapeutic potential for personalized treatment of atopic dermatitis. Further research is needed to define more detailed endotype classifications and provide endotype-driven targeted therapies for personalized medicine.