Abstract: 　Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a highly recurrent and itchy chronic inflammatory disease with a complicated pathogenesis involving genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, immune function deregulations and skin barrier dysfunction. Immunology abnormalities play a significant role in the pathogenesis of AD. T lymphocytes exert immunomodulatory effects by secreting characteristic cytokines. Different T helper cell (Th) subpopulations, such as Th2, Th9, Th17 and Th22 cells, express high levels of IL-31, IL-9, IL-10, IL-17, IL- 22 and so on. The article specifically reviews on the significant effects of different T lymphocyte subsets and the cytokines produced on the pathogenesis of AD.

Key words: atopic dermatitis;　skin barrier dysfunction;　T lymphocytes;　cytokines