Vitamin D and Psoriasis: A Cause for Alarm(ins)

Peptides that activate the immune response may be a fruitful new target for psoriasis therapy.

Cathelicidin and β-defensins HBD2 and HBD3 are antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) produced in keratinocytes. These molecules are important elements of the innate immune system. Their first perceived role was protection against infection, but broader properties have become apparent. A name change has been proposed, from AMPs to “alarmins,” in recognition of their role as activators of adaptive immune responses. AMPs are numerous in psoriatic plaques, and having higher copy numbers of β-defensin genes increases an individual's risk for psoriasis. One theory of AMPs' role in psoriasis proposes that they reduce keratinocyte apoptosis and stimulate keratinocyte inflammatory responses, partly through production of interleukin (IL)-8, a major mediator …

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)