A Few More T Cells and Cytokines to Investigate in Psoriasis

Th17 cells, known to be linked to autoimmune disorders, were found at elevated levels in psoriatic plaques.

T cells have been subdivided into the subsets Th1 and Th2, depending on the cytokines that they produce. Th1 cells make interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon-γ, whereas Th2 cells secrete IL-4 and IL-10. The Th1 subset was thought to orchestrate the inflammatory response in psoriasis. However, researchers have recently identified a third subpopulation, Th17 cells, which produce the cytokines IL-17 and IL-22 and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of autoimmune disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease. To evaluate the potential role of Th17 cells in psoriasis, investigators analyzed IL-17 presence in biopsy samples taken from psoriatic plaques.

The dermis of psoriatic lesions had a significantly greater percentage of Th17 …

Reviewing Author

Craig A. Elmets, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Astellas Pharmaceuticals

EquityVaxin

Grant / Research support NIH; NIH/NCI; Veteran’s Administration; Ferndale Laboratories; Kyowa Hakko Kirin Pharma, Inc.

Editorial boards Cancer Prevention Research; Photodermatology, Photoimmunology, & Photomedicine; UpToDate; eMedicine; Journal of Dermatological Sciences; JAMA Dermatology

Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Vice Chair, Committee on Science and Research); Photomedicine Society (Board of Directors)

Craig A. Elmets, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Astellas Pharmaceuticals

EquityVaxin

Grant / Research support NIH; NIH/NCI; Veteran’s Administration; Ferndale Laboratories; Kyowa Hakko Kirin Pharma, Inc.

Editorial boards Cancer Prevention Research; Photodermatology, Photoimmunology, & Photomedicine; UpToDate; eMedicine; Journal of Dermatological Sciences; JAMA Dermatology

Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Vice Chair, Committee on Science and Research); Photomedicine Society (Board of Directors)