What is the Role of Immunology in Atopic Dermatitis Care? With Jay Lieberman, MD

Jay A. Lieberman, MD, a professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, highlighted the increasingly collaborative nature of atopic dermatitis care during a discussion at the 2026 Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis (RAD) Conference, with the ways in which advances in immunology and systemic therapies are reshaping the relationship between dermatology and allergy/immunology being notable takeaways.^1,2

In discussion with the editorial team at HCPLive, Lieberman described the historic divide between the 2 specialties as having narrowed considerably as the understanding of atopic dermatitis has shifted over time. With the emergence of biologics and targeted systemic medications for patients, both dermatologists and allergists are now approaching the disease through an immunologic lens. Lieberman explained while dermatologists have traditionally focused on cutaneous manifestations, the increasing emphasis on immune pathways and systemic disease has brought the specialties closer together.

“I think as we get these newer therapies and these systemic agents, and we learn about all these immunologic aspects of atopic dermatitis, dermatologists are at the forefront of this now,” Lieberman said. “And I think that difference in allergy and dermatology is really decreasing over time.”

A key theme of Lieberman’s discussion was the importance of considering the broader spectrum of comorbidities known to commonaly accompany atopic dermatitis. He encouraged clinicians to think beyond the skin and evaluate patients for conditions linked to the disease impacting treatment decisions. As more drugs demonstrate efficacy across multiple atopic and inflammatory diseases, Lieberman stated, understanding a patient’s complete disease burden has become increasingly necessary.

In his interview, Lieberman also reflected on how dramatically the therapeutic landscape has shifted over the course of his career. When he began training, treatment options for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis were described as limited, with few systemic treatments being accessible. Today, clinicians have access to a growing number of targeted agents designed to address the underlying immunologic mechanisms of disease, fundamentally changing how atopic dermatitis is managed.

From an allergy and immunology perspective, Lieberman described immune system biology as having long been central to specialty training and clinical practice. However, Lieberman highlighted the evolution of modern dermatology in a similarly manner, with today's dermatologists increasingly functioning as “immunodermatologists” as they incorporate complex immunologic concepts into patient care. In other words, Lieberman sees fewer differences between the specialties than in the past.

Disclosures: Lieberman has previously been associated with Novartis Pharmaceuticals, ABBVIE, Genentech, Aquestive Therapeutics.

References

1. Lieberman J, Hawkes J. Connecting AD to Other Dermatologic Disorders and Related Comorbidities. Session presented at: 2026 Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis Conference; June 17-19, 2026; Nashville, TN.

2. Lieberman J. How Should Clinicians Address the Link Between Atopic Dermatitis and Allergy? HCPLive. June 18, 2026. https://www.hcplive.com/view/how-clinicians-address-link-between-atopic-dermatitis-allergy-.