New Biomarkers Linked to Atopic Dermatitis Severity

Key Takeaways

• A new study shows elevated levels of FcεRI⁺ myeloid and mast cell progenitors in AD patients,

• Correlation of cell levels with EASI scores indicates a potential a link to disease severity, researchers noted.

• Further study of myeloid progenitors as biomarkers and contributors to AD pathogenesisv was recommended.

New data published in JID Innovations shows elevated levels of immune cells in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD).

Study researchers included 10 adults with AD and 10 healthy controls. All patients with AD were treatment-naïve for systemic therapies. Using flow cytometry, researchers reported an increase in these progenitor cells in peripheral blood of AD patients vs. controls (P = 0.0067).  characterized in AD. Elevated levels of FcεRI⁺ progenitor cells correlated with Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores (r = 0.8386, P = 0.0184). here was no significant correlation with total serum IgE levels or significant differences by sex were reported.

“To our knowledge, examination of this cell type in atopic dermatitis is previously unreported," the authors wrote. "Our findings suggest increased progenitor egress from the bone marrow in these patients and a possible role for myeloid progenitors in disease pathogenesis."

The authors called for larger studies and tissue-level validation to clarify the role of these cells.

Source: Ridge K, et al. JID Innovations. 2025. doi:10.1016/j.xjidi.2025.100390