Autoimmunity and autoimmune co-morbidities in psoriasis
Kazuhisa Furue1, Takamichi Ito1, Gaku Tsuji1
1Department of Dermatology, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
Immunology
|January 10, 2018
Summary
Psoriasis involves scaly plaques and inflammation driven by the tumor necrosis factor-α/interleukin-23/interleukin-17 pathway. This review covers psoriasis autoimmunity and its links to other autoimmune conditions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Autoimmunity
Background:
- Psoriasis presents as scaly, erythematous plaques, causing significant physical and psychological distress.
- The tumor necrosis factor-alpha/interleukin-23/interleukin-17 inflammatory axis is a key mechanism in psoriasis development.
- Psoriasis exhibits autoimmune characteristics, including autoreactive T cells and frequent comorbidities with other autoimmune diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding psoriasis autoimmunity.
- To explore the spectrum of autoimmune comorbidities associated with psoriasis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on psoriasis, autoimmunity, and comorbidities.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on the immunological mechanisms underlying psoriasis.
- Analysis of epidemiological and clinical data on psoriasis comorbidities.
Main Results:
- The tumor necrosis factor-alpha/interleukin-23/interleukin-17 axis plays a central role in psoriasis pathogenesis.
- Psoriasis is frequently comorbid with autoimmune bullous diseases, vitiligo, alopecia, and thyroiditis.
- Autoreactive T cells are a hallmark of psoriasis, underscoring its autoimmune nature.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the autoimmune basis of psoriasis is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
- Recognizing and managing autoimmune comorbidities can improve patient outcomes in psoriasis.
- Further research into the shared immunological pathways in psoriasis and its comorbidities is warranted.
