Epigenetics and psoriasis

Increasing evidence indicates that epigenetic mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The pathogenesis of the organ-specific autoimmune disease psoriasis, however, remains poorly understood. Recent studies have shown that aberrant epigenetic patterns are present in patients with psoriasis, suggesting that epigenetic mechanisms may also be involved in this disease. Herein, we review relevant epigenetic findings associated with psoriasis, and provide clues and directions for further studies in this field.