[Increase of circulating HLA DR+ T lymphocytes in psoriasis]

HLA DR molecules on the surface of T lymphocytes evidences the immune cell activation. In the course of disease with immunopathogenic mechanisms and after immunostimulation the level of peripheral T HLA DR+ lymphocytes increases. In psoriasis, it was previously demonstrated the existence of T HLA DR+ lymphocytes in the skin lesions. This phenomenon suggests an in situ activation of T cells. In this paper we show an increase of circulating T HLA DR+ lymphocytes in 12 patients with active psoriasis (5.81% +/- 3.17) compared to healthy controls (2.02% +/- 0.47). The difference was significative (P less than 0.01). The authors suggest the systemic activation of T cells in psoriasis that could be controlled by the HLA system.