Crucial role of TFAP2a in skin health unravelled

A comprehensive study revealed that an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-TFAP2a axis plays a key role in different skin processes, such as the production of barrier and antimicrobial proteins. This finding may pave the way for TFAP2a-based therapies for skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is driven by Th2-cell-mediated inflammation and is characterised by acanthosis, spongiosis, skin barrier impairment, pruritus, and increased Staphylococcal colonisation in the skin microbiome. “Coal tar suppresses these changes, alleviates the symptoms, and is, therefore, a familiar product for the patients,” according to Dr Jos Smits (Radboud University Medical Center, the Netherlands) [1]. Coal tar is a mixture of thousands of polyaromatic hydrocarbons and exhibits anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and antipruritic effects. “Polyaromatic hydrocarbons activate...

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Posted on 5 June 2025