CLA(+) T cells in cutaneous diseases.

The Cutaneous Lymphocyte-associated Antigen (CLA) was originally described as a cell surface molecule preferentially found on T lymphocytes present in the skin. At the present time, a more complete and exciting picture is emerging thanks to the efforts of different research groups. The CLA antigen identifies a subset of memory effector T lymphocytes functionally involved in the pathogenesis of different T cell-mediated cutaneous diseases. Research related to CLA(+ )T cells is not only becoming a source of interesting data related to the pathological mechanisms of skin disorders, but also provides an innovative and selective approach to develop new treatments for T cell-mediated diseases in dermatology.