Corneocyte lipid envelope (CLE)

The Corneocyte Lipid Envelope (CLE) is a specialized monolayer of lipids, primarily omega-hydroxyceramides, that are covalently bonded to the cornified envelope of corneocytes in the stratum corneum (Akiyama, M., 2017, Journal of Dermatological Science). It serves as a vital structural interface, acting as a scaffold for the organization of intercellular lipid lamellae which are essential for the skin's permeability barrier (Elias, P. M., 2014, Journal of Investigative Dermatology). By providing a hydrophobic coating to the otherwise hydrophilic corneocytes, the CLE prevents excessive transepidermal water loss and protects the body from environmental stressors and pathogens (Uchida, Y., & Park, K., 2021, NIH/PubMed). Deficiencies in the CLE are strongly associated with inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and genetic disorders like lamellar ichthyosis (Behne et al., 2000, Journal of Investigative Dermatology). Therapeutic interventions targeting the CLE typically involve the topical application of barrier-repair formulations containing physiological lipids like ceramides, which aim to restore the structural integrity and functional capacity of the skin barrier (PubMed, 2021, "Barrier repair therapy").

Other names

Bound lipid envelopeCornified lipid envelopeCovalently bound lipid layer

Restoration of the hydrophobic barrier and providing a template for the assembly of intercellular lipid lamellae.