Genetics of psoriasis: the potential impact on new therapies

There is considerable epidemiologic evidence that genes play a key role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. It is also clear that multiple genes are involved and that the disease is genetically heterogeneous. Important interactions with the environment are also implicated in its development. A number of genetic loci have been identified by genome wide linkage scans and two loci have been replicated: PSORS1 on chromosome 6, within the major histocompatibility complex, and PSORS2 on chromosome 17q. Understanding the genetic basis of psoriasis will represent a major advance in our understanding of the disease and will reveal novel disease-specific biologic pathways. This information will be used to develop more specific diagnostic and prognostic tools and also lead to the development of individualized treatment plans. Benefits of the latter include more effective and safer treatments and potentially major pharmaco-economic gain.