Targeting VEGF/VEGFR in the treatment of psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common chronic skin disorder characterized by cutaneous inflammation and keratinocyte hyperproliferation. In the past decade, a number of novel effective biological agents have been developed to treat moderate-to-severe psoriasis. However, these drugs have potential serious side effects, particularly the development of infectious diseases. Therefore there is still a need for new therapies with better efficacy and less adverse effects. Angiogenesis is implicated in various pathological conditions including psoriasis. Direct targeting of angiogenesis becomes a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of psoriasis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the most critical angiogenic factor, is thought to play important roles during the pathogenesis of psoriasis and may be a promising target for treating psoriasis. Therefore, we proposed that targeting VEGF/VEGFRs could lead to new treatments for psoriasis.