Cutaneous keratinocytes and follicular epithelium

Cutaneous keratinocytes and follicular epithelium refer to the primary cellular and structural components of the skin and hair follicles, rather than a specific molecular target such as a receptor or enzyme (StatPearls: Keratinocytes, 2023). Keratinocytes constitute the majority of the epidermis, where they undergo a differentiation process to form the stratum corneum, providing a vital barrier against pathogens and dehydration (NIH: Skin Anatomy, 2022). The follicular epithelium lines the hair follicle and is involved in complex signaling pathways that regulate hair growth cycles and skin regeneration (PubMed: PMID 28873458). While these tissues are the site of action for many dermatological drugs, they are considered anatomical locations or cell populations rather than individual therapeutic targets. Pathological conditions associated with these cells include inflammatory diseases like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, as well as malignancies like basal cell carcinoma (PubMed: PMID 31433631). Drugs interacting with these cells typically target specific intracellular proteins, such as the retinoic acid receptor or various cytokine receptors, to modulate cellular proliferation and inflammatory responses (Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2021).

Other names

Epidermal keratinocytesFollicular epithelial cellsSkin epitheliumKeratinizing epithelium

Various mechanisms including modulation of nuclear receptors (e.g., RAR, VDR), inhibition of cytokine signaling (e.g., IL-17, IL-4/13), and regulation of cell cycle progression within the skin cells.