Antibody-dependent monocyte-mediated cytotoxicity in severe atopic dermatitis.

Antibody-dependent monocyte-mediated cytotoxicity was studied in nine patients with severe atopic dermatitis during flares of their disease. In all cases the cytotoxicity was depressed. The disturbed function may contribute to the severe cutaneous infections seen in these patients. It remains to be seen if these patients have an intrinsic monocyte defect or if an inhibiting factor only is operating during active disease states.