Gli immunomodulatori topici ora: dalla dermatite atopica alle nuove prospettive terapeutiche

Tacrolimus and pimecrolimus (topical immunomodulators, TIMs) are immunomodulators belonging to the family of calcineurin inhibitors. TIMs inhibit T-cell proliferation and both production and release of proinflammatory cytokines and growth factors. They also exert a broad range of immunomodulatory effects by inhibiting mast-cell degranulation, targeting eosinophils and keratinocytes, and decreasing adhesion molecules expression. Tacrolimus downregulates the activation of Langerhans cells as well. In contrast to topical corticosteroids, TIMs do not induce skin atrophy and telangiectasia, show a low systemic absorption, and have an excellent safety profile, even in the cases of prolonged application and use in children. TIMs are only approved for atopic dermatitis, however they have potential roles in the treatment of other inflammatory skin diseases. This paper focuses on the use of TIMs for skin conditions other than atopic dermatitis. Based on the available data, TIMs seem to be an eff...