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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
11:39
The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
Published on: July 11, 2013
39.5K
The immunopathology of psoriasis
1St John's Institute of Dermatology, UMDS, Guy's Hospital Campus, London, UK.
Bailliere'S Clinical Rheumatology
|May 1, 1994
Summary
Psoriasis is an immune-mediated skin disease involving T lymphocytes and leukocyte adhesion molecules. Immunotherapy, including cyclosporin A and anti-CD4 antibodies, shows promise for treating psoriasis.
Area of Science:
- Immunodermatology
- Immunology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Psoriasis affects 2% of the population and is recognized as an immunologically mediated skin disorder.
- Evidence links psoriasis to specific MHC antigens and highlights the role of activated T lymphocytes in lesion development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the immunological basis of psoriasis.
- To explore the potential of immunotherapy for psoriasis treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of disease association studies linking psoriasis to MHC antigens.
- Immunohistochemical analysis of immune cell infiltration in psoriatic lesions.
- Evaluation of leukocyte adhesion molecules and cytokine production.
- Assessment of Langerhans cell antigen-presenting capacity.
Main Results:
- Activated T lymphocytes accumulate in psoriatic lesions, facilitated by upregulated adhesion molecules and cytokine production.
- Langerhans cells in psoriatic skin exhibit enhanced antigen-presenting capabilities.
- The specific antigens triggering psoriasis remain unidentified, though streptococcal superantigens are implicated.
Conclusions:
- Psoriasis is a T-cell-mediated inflammatory disease.
- Immunotherapy, including cyclosporin A, FK506, and anti-CD4 antibodies, represents a promising therapeutic avenue for psoriasis.
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