Much anecdotal information has suggested an influence of psychology and the nervous system on immunity within the skin and the expression of inflammatory skin disorders. Recent years have seen an explosion of knowledge providing a scientific basis for important regulatory interactions between the nervous system, the endocrine system and the immune system within the skin. The results of recent investigations have important implications, not only for an understanding of cutaneous immunity, but also for the development of novel treatments for diseases involving abnormal inflammation or immune reactivity within the skin. This book provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary review of the molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry and clinical aspects of nervous system immune system interactions within the skin. It includes contributions from leading world experts in these areas. The contents are relevant to both investigators and clinicians interested in the skin, its functions and its disorders."

Contents:
1. Clinical Manifestations of Atopic Dermatitis 2. Epidemiology of Atopic Dermatitis 3. Genetics of Atopic Dermatitis 4. Pathogenesis of Atopic Dermatitis 5. Role of Food Allergens in Atopic Dermatitis 6. Role of Inhalant allergens in Atopic Dermatitis 7. Itch - Pathophysiology and Treatment 8. Psychosomatic Aspects in Atopic Dermatitis 9. Quality of Life in Atopic Dermatitis Patients 10. General Management of Atopic Dermatitis patients 11. Corticosteroids 12. Phototherapy 13. Antihitamines 14. Sytemic Immunomodulation 15. Topical Immunomodulation 16. Experimental Therapies 17. Future Aspects

Epidermal Langerhans Cells focuses on epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs) and the important role they play in the induction of contact hypersensitivity and graft rejection. This in-depth work discusses how these antigen-presenting cells are modulated by various physicochemical agents (such as UV light) and how they can be infected by the AIDS virus. It also reveals that cytokines mediate their development into potent T cell-stimulatory dendritic cells. This comprehensive review covers important experimental details and methods, and fascinating information on LCs. It also provides an overview of the immune system as it relates to the skin in health and disease. This up-to-date publication is an indispensable resource for all investigative and clinical dermatologists, as well as immunologists interested in antigen-presenting cells.