What JACI’s 2025 Review Tells Us
In 2024, following the fourth Global Allergy Forum in Davos, the journal Allergy published the 4th Davos Declaration, identifying atopic dermatitis (AD) as the prototype of epithelial barrier–driven chronic inflammatory diseases and a gateway to other allergic conditions (DOI: 10.1111/all.16247).
In 2025, the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (JACI) “Year in Review” provides a revealing snapshot of current directions in allergy and clinical immunology—and confirms that atopic dermatitis stands at the center of this evolution (DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2025.12.996).
By analyzing the most cited and most downloaded papers of the year, JACI highlights not only scientific impact but also what clinicians and researchers actively seek to read and apply in practice.
Across disease areas, several major trends emerge. Precision immunology continues to dominate, with strong representation of immune dysregulation, inborn errors of immunity, and pathway-driven therapeutics. Asthma research remains highly influential, particularly around biologics, upstream targets such as alarmins, and the emerging concept of disease remission rather than simple symptom control. Food allergy and anaphylaxis also feature prominently, reflecting ongoing needs for consensus guidance, real-world implementation, and equity-focused approaches. In parallel, artificial intelligence has clearly entered the mainstream, with dedicated initiatives highlighting its growing role in diagnostics, phenotyping, and research design.
Within this landscape, atopic dermatitis is strikingly prominent, reinforcing the central role of the skin barrier and the need for multidisciplinary approaches in both research and clinical management. An updated overview of AD was ranked among the most cited papers of the year, confirming its status as a reference condition in translational allergy research. Even more striking, a phase 2b randomized trial of amlitelimab (targeting the OX40–OX40L axis) in moderate-to-severe AD DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2024.10.031 was the most downloaded paper in JACI in 2025—an unmistakable signal of global clinical interest. Additional highly cited work addressing safety signals and disease complexity, including lymphoma risk in the context of biologic therapy, further underscores how AD research now addresses questions central to the entire allergy–immunology community.
ISAD perspective.
The prominence of atopic dermatitis in JACI’s 2025 review closely aligns with ISAD’s mission to advance integrated, patient-centered, and globally relevant research in AD. By positioning AD as a model epithelial barrier disease and as the first chronic inflammatory disease where the One Health lens has been explored (DOI: 10.1111/all.70080 ), these trends reinforce ISAD’s focus on transversal collaboration, Treat-to-Target strategies, and long-term outcomes, while emphasizing the need to translate scientific advances into equitable care across diverse health-care settings worldwide.
In a Nutshell
16th RAJKA-ISAD Beijing 2026
Join us on October 17-19, in Beijing!
Under the motto “Science and Empathy in Atopic Dermatitis,” this year’s meeting is not just a platform for the latest clinical evidence—it is a bridge between global medical paradigms. While we continue our tradition of excellence in AD research, we are excited to announce three major program innovations for 2026 that you won’t want to miss:
1. New Day 1 Afternoon Workshop Sessions
For the first time, we have dedicated the afternoon of our opening day to immersive, parallel workshops. These sessions are designed for deep dives into specialized topics, including:
- Patient-Centered Care and the Organization of Care (OCAD) meetings.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in AD:
Exploring evidence-based practices and the role of TCM in modern management. - Regional Task Force Guidelines (Asia-Pacific and Africa).
2. Dedicated Industry Workshop Session (Day 2)
On the afternoon of Day 2, we are launching a new Industry Workshop block. This dedicated hour provides a unique opportunity to engage directly with our partners on the latest therapeutic innovations, topical breakthroughs, and the future of biologics in a focused, interactive setting.
3. The “Youngsters Meeting”: Mastering Atopic Dermatitis & ECP Arena
We are calling all Early Career Professionals (ECP)! This year introduces a dedicated pre-meeting track: “All You Need to Know about AD”.
The Arena: Forget traditional lectures—think clinical case battles, interactive quizzes, and high-energy training on Day 1.
- The Grand Finale: The competition culminates in a “Grand Finale” on Day 3, where the next generation of AD leaders takes center stage.
Why Beijing?
Beyond the science, Beijing offers a breathtaking backdrop where ancient history meets cutting-edge innovation. From world-class museums to vibrant art districts, the city rewards curiosity at every turn.
#StayInformed:
Explore the Latest in AD Research!
News on PubMed:
Dive into our curated selection of cutting-edge studies from PubMed, offering valuable insights into various aspects of Atopic Dermatitis:
- From Gut to Skin: Can Fecal Transplants Tame Atopic Dermatitis?
- IL-18 in Atopic Dermatitis: Going Upstream of Th2?
- Cannabidiol and Atopic Dermatitis: Experimental Signals, Clinical Questions
- Topical Steroid Withdrawal: Between Lived Experience and Biological Uncertainty
- When Prices Fall but Risks Rise: Veterinary vs Human JAK Inhibitors