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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
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Published on: April 8, 2016
Analysis of perforin expression in peripheral blood and lesions in severe and mild psoriasis
Larisa Prpić Massari1, Marija Kastelan, Gordana Laskarin
1Department of Dermatovenerology, Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka, University of Rijeka, Kresimirova 42, HR-51000, Rijeka, Croatia. larisaprpic@yahoo.com
Background:
Perforin is a membrane-disrupting protein that allows the entry of granzymes into a target cell inducing degradation of target substances in the cytoplasm and nucleus thus leading to programmed cell death or apoptosis. Recent work demonstrated a possible involvement of perforin mediated cytotoxicity in immunopathogenesis of psoriasis.
Objectives:
To investigate a difference in systemic (peripheral blood) and local (lesions) expression and distribution of perforin in psoriatic patients with severe and mild disease.
Methods:
Flow cytometry was used for simultaneous detection of intracellular (perforin) and cell surface antigens in peripheral blood lymphocytes. The expression of perforin in skin lesions was evaluated by immunohistochemistry.
Results:
Significant increase of perforin expression in T lymphocytes, especially cytotoxic CD8+ cells was found in severe psoriasis compared to mild disease (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). There was also an increase of CD56+P+ NK cells (p<0.05) in severe compared to mild psoriasis. The psoriatic plaque of both, severe and mild disease were abundant with perforin showing no significant difference on local level.
Conclusion:
Based on our results we suggest the association between perforin expression and disease severity.
Insights
Perforin expression, a key cytotoxic protein, is significantly elevated in T lymphocytes and NK cells of severe psoriasis patients. This suggests perforin
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Perforin is a cytotoxic protein crucial for apoptosis induction via granzyme delivery.
- Psoriasis pathogenesis may involve perforin-mediated cytotoxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare systemic and local perforin expression in mild versus severe psoriasis.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry analyzed intracellular perforin and cell surface antigens in peripheral blood lymphocytes.
- Immunohistochemistry assessed perforin expression in skin lesions.
Main Results:
- Severe psoriasis showed significantly higher perforin expression in cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes and NK cells compared to mild disease.
- Perforin was abundant in psoriatic plaques of both severity groups, with no significant local difference.
Conclusions:
- Perforin expression levels correlate with psoriasis disease severity.
- Elevated perforin in systemic circulation may serve as a biomarker for psoriasis severity.
