Stratum corneum intercellular space

The **stratum corneum intercellular space** refers to the extracellular regions between the protein-rich corneocytes in the outermost layer of the skin (stratum corneum). This space is filled with a **highly organized lipid matrix** formed primarily from ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids[3][5]. The structure is often described by the “bricks and mortar” model, where corneocytes act as bricks and the lipid matrix is the mortar[3][2]. The primary functions of this intercellular space are to prevent water loss, protect against environmental insults (chemicals, microbes, and UV), and contribute to the innate immune defense of the skin through embedded antimicrobial and signaling molecules[1][3][5]. The lipids are arranged in multilamellar structures with specific periodicity, influencing the barrier’s effectiveness and permeability[2][5]. Alterations in the composition, organization, or enzymatic processing of these lipids are implicated in several skin barrier disorders and can increase disease susceptibility[5]. While this compartment is critical for skin function, it is *not* considered a classical therapeutic “target” like a receptor or enzyme, meaning no drugs bind *specifically* to the intercellular space itself; rather, therapeutics may influence its integrity and composition by topical application or barrier repair strategies[4][5][6]. **Note:** This is *not* a molecular target but a structural/anatomical compartment, so it is *incorrect* to list “stratum corneum intercellular space” as a druggable receptor, enzyme, or similar therapeutic target.

Other names

Stratum corneum lipid matrixSC intercellular lipid lamellaeIntercellular lipid space of stratum corneum

None as a molecular target; relevant mechanisms involve physical modulation of barrier, lipid replacement, or enzymatic modification of constituents