Keratinocyte activation

“Keratinocyte activation” refers to the phenotypic change that epidermal keratinocytes undergo in response to injury, infection, inflammatory mediators, or certain diseases. Upon activation, keratinocytes switch from a quiescent, barrier-forming phenotype to a migratory, proliferative, and cytokine-secreting cell type. This involves changes such as upregulation of keratins (notably K6, K16, K17), signaling through growth factor pathways (e.g., EGF, IGF, insulin), and increased expression of migratory and inflammatory molecules, contributing significantly to processes such as wound healing and barrier repair as well as skin diseases like chronic ulcers and psoriasis.

Other names

Activated keratinocyte stateKeratinocyte responseKeratinocyte activation state

Modulation of growth factor receptors (e.g., EGF receptor signaling), PI3K/Akt pathway modulation, and inhibition or stimulation of migration, proliferation, or cytokine output.