ESSENTIAL FATTY-ACIDS IN PATHOGENESIS, PROPHYLAXIS, AND THERAPY OF ATOPIC ECZEMA

Abstract

The present review deals with the roles of essential fatty acids and thymus-eicosanoids in T-cell maturation with special regard to the atopic condition. Recent evidence indicates that initial immune responses to environmental allergens in early childhood occur against a background of maturational deficiency in CD4+ T-cell function. From animal experiments it can be concluded that essential fatty acids and eicosanoids of the thymus microenvironment play a crucial role in differentiation and maturation of immature T-cells. The deficiency of eicosanoid-precursors, i.e., dihomogammalinolenic acid and arachidonic acid, in the early postnatal period of the newborn at `'genetic risk'' for atopy might contribute to inadequate T-cell maturation and affect the ultimate expression of the atopic immune system.