[Hinews] Seoul, South Korea — A research team at Yonsei University’s Severance Hospital has identified a critical subset of regulatory T cells that underpins the success of immunotherapy for atopic dermatitis, according to a study published on June 13 in *Science Translational Medicine*. These cells inhibit pathogenic immune responses, reducing chronic skin inflammation.

Atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin disorder, arises when allergens, such as house dust mites, penetrate a compromised skin barrier, activating pathogenic T cells. Subcutaneous allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT), involving repeated allergen injections, modulates the immune system by activating regulatory T cells to suppress hypersensitivity reactions.

(From left) Dr. Chang-Wook Park, Professor of Dermatology at Severance Hospital; Dr. Jung-Won Park, Professor of Allergy and Internal Medicine; Dr. Myung-Hyun Sohn, Professor of Pediatric Respiratory and Allergy; Dr. Zhongrun Zhang, Ph.D., Yonsei University College of Medicine; Dr. Ho-Keun Kwon, Professor of Microbiology; and Dr. Kwang-Hoon Lee, Professor Emeritus at Yonsei University. (Photo provided by Severance Hospital)
(From left) Dr. Chang-Wook Park, Professor of Dermatology at Severance Hospital; Dr. Jung-Won Park, Professor of Allergy and Internal Medicine; Dr. Myung-Hyun Sohn, Professor of Pediatric Respiratory and Allergy; Dr. Zhongrun Zhang, Ph.D., Yonsei University College of Medicine; Dr. Ho-Keun Kwon, Professor of Microbiology; and Dr. Kwang-Hoon Lee, Professor Emeritus at Yonsei University. (Photo provided by Severance Hospital)


The researchers isolated and examined regulatory T cells from patients responding to immunotherapy and from mouse models. Their findings revealed that regulatory T cells expressing the transcription factor RORγt are strongly associated with treatment efficacy. These RORγt-expressing cells suppress pathogenic T cell activity and accumulate in the skin, delivering robust anti-inflammatory effects.

“Elucidating the diversity and function of skin immune cells is essential for advancing immune-based therapies,” said Dr. Chang-Wook Park, a professor of dermatology at Severance Hospital. “This study lays the groundwork for enhancing the precision and effectiveness of treatments for atopic dermatitis and other inflammatory skin conditions.”
The study was funded by South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare and the National Research Foundation.

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