Mechanistic insights from animal models of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are common chronic inflammatory conditions associated with substantial local and systemic morbidity. The genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity of these disorders presents great challenges to investigators of disease mechanisms. Valid and reliable animal models that combine the main elements of human skin and joint disease have not been developed, and this has hindered our ability to understand the complex immunopathology and develop treatments. Recently, novel animal models have been developed with the potential to greatly increase our knowledge of important mechanisms that underlie psoriatic skin and joint inflammation and bone remodeling. Herein, we discuss how recent models generated by use of promising new technologies are revealing novel inflammatory pathways that have promising therapeutic potential.