The roles of cells and cytokines in the pathogenesis of psoriasis
Conflicts of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Susana Coimbra/Alice Santos Silva
Serviço de Bioquímica
Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto
Rua Aníbal Cunha 164
Porto 4050-047
Portugal
E-mails: ssn.coimbra@gmail.com, assilva@ff.up.pt
Abstract
Psoriasis is considered an immune chronic disease in which T cells are accepted as important. Nowadays, it is believed that psoriasis is most likely a T helper (Th)1/Th17 induced inflammatory disease. However, some other cells, such as endothelial cells, dendritic cells, monocytic cells, neutrophils, keratinocytes, and several cytokines, appear to have, at different stages of the disease, an important role in its pathogenesis. For instance, the response to psoriasis therapy is dependent not only on the inactivation of Th1 and Th17 immune responses but also on the inactivation of dendritic cell products. Moreover, interleukin (IL)-23 deregulation appears to be an independent factor in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Indeed, currently, the IL-23/Th17 axis is believed to be crucial in psoriasis pathogenesis, and its inhibition appears to be important for therapeutic achievement. This review presents the roles and interactions of cells and cytokines that are related to psoriasis pathogenesis.