Update on pathobiology in Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis

Shih Chi Su, Wen Hung Chung*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrosis (TEN) are rare but life-threatening severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), which are mainly induced by a variety of drugs. Once considered to be unpredictable, significant progress has been achieved in understanding the pathological mechanisms underlying such reactions. Recent studies suggested that SJS/TEN is a specific immune reaction where human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles specific for certain drugs in defined populations are involved in the activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells. Upon the activation, various cytotoxic and immunological signals, including but not limited to Fas/Fas ligand, perforin/granzyme B, and granulysin are launched to mediate the disseminated keratinocyte death in SJS/TEN. This review provides an update on the pathobiology of SJS/TEN in both the genomic and immunologic perspectives. The knowledge gained from these cutting-edge studies will form the basis for better prevention and management of SJS/TEN.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)175-180
Number of pages6
JournalDermatologica Sinica
Volume31
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 12 2013

Keywords

  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • drug hypersensitivity
  • human leukocyte antigens
  • toxic epidermal necrolysis

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