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Updated: Dec 15, 2025
A Simple Bioassay for the Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
Published on: March 15, 2016
Vascular endothelial growth factor-A as a promising therapeutic target for the management of psoriasis
Andrea Luengas-Martinez1, Jonathan Hardman-Smart2, Ralf Paus1,3,4
1Centre for Dermatology Research and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
Abstract:
Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), the main angiogenic mediator, plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of several inflammatory immune-mediated diseases, including psoriasis. Even though anti-angiogenic therapies, such as VEGF inhibitors, are licensed for the treatment of various cancers and eye disease, VEGF-targeting interventions are not part of current psoriasis therapy. In this viewpoint essay, we argue that the existing preclinical research evidence on the role of VEGF-A in the pathogenesis of psoriasis as well as clinical observations in patients who have experienced psoriasis remission during oncological anti-VEGF-A therapy strongly suggests to systematically explore angiogenesis targeting also in the management of psoriasis. We also point out that some psoriasis therapies decrease circulating levels of VEGF-A and normalise the psoriasis-associated vascular pathology in the papillary dermis of plaques of psoriasis and that a subset of patients with constitutionally high levels of VEGF-A may benefit most from the anti-angiogenic therapy we advocate here. Given that novel, well-targeted personalised medicine therapies for the development of psoriasis need to be developed, we explore the hypothesis that VEGF-A and signalling through its receptors constitute a promising target for therapeutic intervention in the future management of psoriasis.
Insights
Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) is crucial in psoriasis. Targeting VEGF-A may offer a new therapeutic strategy for managing psoriasis, especially in patients with high VEGF-A levels.
Area of Science:
- Immunodermatology
- Angiogenesis research
- Translational medicine
Background:
- Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) is a key mediator of angiogenesis and plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases like psoriasis.
- Current psoriasis treatments do not typically target angiogenesis, despite the established efficacy of anti-angiogenic therapies in other conditions such as cancer and eye diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence supporting the role of VEGF-A in psoriasis pathogenesis.
- To advocate for the systematic exploration of anti-angiogenic strategies in psoriasis management.
- To propose VEGF-A as a potential therapeutic target for personalized medicine approaches in psoriasis.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical research on VEGF-A in psoriasis.
- Analysis of clinical observations from patients with psoriasis experiencing remission during anti-VEGF-A cancer therapy.
- Discussion of existing psoriasis therapies that impact VEGF-A levels and vascular pathology.
Main Results:
- Preclinical data and clinical observations suggest VEGF-A is implicated in psoriasis development.
- Some existing psoriasis therapies reduce VEGF-A levels and normalize vascular abnormalities in psoriatic lesions.
- Patients with inherently high VEGF-A levels might particularly benefit from anti-angiogenic therapy.
Conclusions:
- VEGF-A signaling represents a promising therapeutic target for future psoriasis management.
- Targeting angiogenesis warrants systematic investigation as a novel treatment modality for psoriasis.
- Personalized medicine approaches focusing on VEGF-A could lead to more effective psoriasis therapies.
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