Who is really in control of skin immunity under physiological circumstances – lymphocytes, dendritic cells or keratinocytes?
Our views of the skin immunity theatre are undergoing constant change. These not only reflect paradigm shifts in general immunology and skin biology, but also have profound clinical implications, which call for strategic changes in dermatological therapy. Nowhere can this be witnessed at a greater level of instructiveness and fascination than when addressing the question posed by this new Controversies feature. Thus, after a very long period of dominance by T cells and Langerhans cells as ‘lead actors’ on the skin immunity stage, the lowly keratinocyte has recently made an astounding theatrical appearance as a key protagonist of the innate skin immunity system, which may control even acquired skin immune responses. Further enhancing dramatic complexity and tension, the mast cell has entered as an additional actor claiming centre stage, and the epidermal Langerhans cell has slipped in a surprise appearance as the chief agent of immunotolerance. May you, esteemed reader, enjoy the specta
