Adult Epidermal Keratinocytes (AEK)

The epidermal layer of the skin provides an essential function as a protective barrier against insults from the external environment. The predominant cell type in the epidermis is keratinocytes and they are located in the stratified squamous epithelia.Progenitors of keratinocytes reside and divide in the basal layer of the epidermis. They then differentiate, migrate towards the surface of epidermis, and eventually withdraw from the cell cycle permanently. Epidermal keratinocytes(AEK) take part in inflammatory responses initiated by various stressors. Induction of production of inflammatory cytokines in normal keratinocytes by bacteria occurs via toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 and TLR-4.