Trajectory Shifts in Interdisciplinary Research of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor—A Personal Perspective on Thymus and Skin

Abstract

Identifying historical trajectories is a useful exercise in research, as it helps clarify important, perhaps even “paradigmatic”, shifts in thinking and moving forward in science. In this review, the development of research regarding the role of the transcription factor “aryl hydrocarbon receptor” (AHR) as a mediator of the toxicity of environmental pollution towards a link between the environment and a healthy adaptive response of the immune system and the skin is discussed. From this fascinating development, the opportunities for targeting the AHR in the therapy of many diseases become clear.

Keywords

• thymus
• immune system
• skin
• 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-<i>p</i>-dioxin (TCDD)
• aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)
• therapeutic target