Inflammatory caspases drive the release of interleukin-33 (IL-33) from skin in atopic dermatitis, according to new research reported by Bioengineer.org.

The study identifies inflammatory caspases — the proteolytic enzymes best known for their role in programmed cell death — as the machinery that releases IL-33 from skin cells in atopic dermatitis. IL-33 sits among the key alarmin cytokines that initiate type 2 inflammatory responses, the pathway central to atopic dermatitis and several other inflammatory skin conditions.

The full text of the report was not accessible at press time; Derm Field will update this story as trial details, cohort data and mechanistic specifics become available.