Medica Jadertina, Vol. 37 No. 3-4, 2007.
Review article
Immunopathogenetic mechanisms in psoriasis
Marija Kaštelan
Larisa Prpić- Massari
Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by epidermal hyperproliferation and clinically by inflammatory, well sharped erythematosquamous plaques. It seems that psoriasis is mediated by an immunologic reaction to particular epidermal, dermal or circulating immunogenic peptide (streptococcal M protein, retroviral protein or some epidermal antigen). Population based studies revealed that HLA genes have a key role in psoriasis inheritance. The immunopathogenetic mechanisms in psoriasis development are not yet completely elucidated. It seems that the presence of particular HLA genes susceptible for psoriasis could stimulate extremely strong immunological reaction to some antigenic peptides resulting in the
development of the disease. Possible mechanism in psoriasis development is the activation of numerous Tlymphocytes by streptococcal superantigen. Another possibility is the model of molecular mimicry.
Although the precise mechanism of activated T cells trigger psoriasis is as yet unknown, it seems that psoriasis is a genetic disorder of keratinocyte hyperproliferation mediated by T-lymphocytes. The psoriatic process is a dynamic one that includes interaction between helper and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, as well as between T cells and keratinocytes. A better understanding of the psoriasis immunopathogenesis would enable development of specific T cell targeted therapies for this severe chronic disease.
Keywords
Psoriasis; HLA genes; immunogenetics; T-lymphocytes
Hrčak ID:
19108
URI
Publication date:
10.1.2008.
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