Adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1), also known as permeability glycoprotein, multidrug-resistant protein 1 or cluster of differentiation 243 (CD243), is an essential protein for purging foreign substances from cells. Numerous studies have investigated the roles of ABCB1 in cancer, stem cells, and drug resistance. Abundant pharmacogenetic studies have explored ABCB1 and its association with treatment responsiveness to various agents, particularly chemotherapeutic and immunomodulatory agents. Yet, its functions in the skin and implications on dermatotherapeutics are less studied. 

A recent article thus reviewed the roles of ABCB1 in dermatology. 

The skin and its appendages express ABCB1 during drug delivery and transport. It modulates treatment responsiveness to various agents, such as topical steroids, methotrexate, cyclosporine, azathioprine, antihistamines, antifungal agents, colchicine, tacrolimus, ivermectin, tetracycline, retinoid acids and biologic agents. Moreover, genetic variation in ABCB1 may alter the pathogenesis of several dermatoses, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, melanoma, bullous pemphigoid, Behçet disease and lichen planus. 

Further investigation must explore the roles of ABCB1 in dermatology and the possibility of enhancing therapeutic efficacy through ABCB1 manipulation.

Source: Weng HJ, Tsai TF. ABCB1 in dermatology: roles in skin diseases and their treatment. J Mol Med (Berl). 2021;99(11):1527-38.