The Role of HIF-1 Alpha in Immune Regulation During Atopic Dermatitis

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD), commonly known as eczema, affects roughly 20% of the global population and 10% of Americans, most of them children. Characterized by chronic itching, inflammation, and skin irritation, AD causes emotional distress, social challenges, and sleep deprivation. Current treatments—such as corticosteroids, antihistamines, and costly biologics—only manage symptoms without addressing the root cause. Araba Abaidoo-Myles’s research investigates the immune mechanisms underlying AD, focusing on the role of a key regulatory protein, HIF-1α (hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha). This protein acts as a molecular switch that influences immune cell behavior and inflammation. Using mouse models, her team found that activating HIF-1α through topical treatment with the drug roxadustat significantly reduced AD severity. These findings suggest that targeting HIF-1α could offer a promising path toward curative therapies, moving beyond symptom relief to address the underlying immune dysregulation driving atopic dermatitis