Abstract

The skin, our body’s first line of defense, relies on a complex interplay of cellular components to maintain its integrity and orchestrate immune responses. At the forefront of this defense are epidermal cells, which not only form a physical barrier but also actively participate in immune surveillance and regulation through the expression of cytokines. Epidermal cells, predominantly keratinocytes, produce a diverse array of cytokines, including interleukins, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferons, and growth factors. These cytokines serve as molecular messengers, coordinating immune cell function and tissue homeostasis within the skin microenvironment. Through the regulation of immune cell activation, inflammatory responses, barrier maintenance, and wound healing processes, epidermal cytokines exert profound effects on skin health and disease. This abstract delves into the dynamic interplay of cytokine expression by epidermal cells, shedding light on their pivotal role in skin immunity and disease pathogenesis.