A Chronic Psoriasis Model Using Long-Term Imiquimod Application in IL-10-Deficient Mice: Recapitulating Skin...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Dermatology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease driven by the IL-23/IL-17 pathway.
• Current mouse models may not fully replicate psoriasis chronicity or gut comorbidities.
• The gut-skin axis plays a role in systemic manifestations of psoriasis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a more accurate murine model for chronic psoriasis.
• To investigate systemic comorbidities and gut environment alterations in this model.
• To better understand the gut-skin axis in psoriasis.

Main Methods:

• C57BL/6 IL-10-deficient (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were treated with imiquimod (IMQ) or vehicle for 6 weeks.
• Skin, colon, joint, kidney, liver, aorta, lymph node, and spleen tissues were analyzed.
• Fecal and blood samples were collected for immunologic and gut environment analysis.

Main Results:

• IMQ-treated IL-10 KO mice exhibited prolonged psoriatic skin inflammation and severe colitis.
• These mice showed increased gut permeability and altered gut microbiota.
• Systemic inflammation markers were elevated, but joint, liver, and kidney involvement was similar to WT mice.

Conclusions:

• The IMQ-applied IL-10 KO model offers a better representation of chronic psoriasis with gut comorbidities.
• This model is valuable for studying the gut-skin axis in psoriasis.
• Further research into the gut-skin axis in psoriasis is warranted.