A 6-year-old girl is taken to the clinic because she has an itchy rash on her face. According to the patient's mother, the rash began about three weeks ago as dry skin on both of her cheeks. It has progressed over the last few days, with areas of weeping and increased redness, and the patient has had to wear mittens to avoid irritation from constant scratching. The patient has a history of similar rashes involving the flexural areas of her elbows and knees that resolved after topical corticosteroids were applied. Vital signs are typical. Physical examination reveals bilateral erythema of the cheeks and chin, with crusting and oozing. A course of topical tacrolimus is prescribed for the patient. Which of the following is the most likely mechanism of action of this drug?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory condition that can be treated as a second-line therapy after topical corticosteroids with calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., pimecrolimus, tacrolimus). Calcineurin inhibitors reduce inflammation by inhibiting T-cell signaling required for the transcription of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-2.

A 6-Year-Old Girl Is Taken to the Clinic Because She