Overview
- The Science paper links higher self‑reported stress in 51 atopic dermatitis patients to greater skin inflammation and eosinophilia.
- In mice, ablation of Pdyn+ sympathetic neurons or depletion of eosinophils blocked stress‑exacerbated dermatitis, while optogenetic activation intensified it.
- The pathway recruits eosinophils through CCL11 binding CCR3 and activates them via beta‑2 adrenergic signaling on the cells.
- Chemical sympathectomy and adrenal removal indicate peripheral sympathetic nerves, not the HPA axis, drive the stress‑induced worsening.
- The identified neurons preferentially innervate hairy skin and present potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets alongside stress‑management strategies.