Unkindly Chemokines

A chemokine receptor that promotes development of psoriatic plaques in mice might point to a useful therapeutic target in humans.

Cells release chemokines that direct leukocyte migration; specific chemokines preferentially attract specific leukocytes. Because leukocyte infiltration is involved in most inflammatory skin diseases, anti-inflammatory drugs that target chemokines or their receptors might limit leukocytic immigration. In psoriasis, dendritic cells, for some reason, make interleukin (IL)-23. A p40 subunit of IL-23 binds to Th17 lymphocytes to elicit their growth and differentiation. Th17 cells then make IL-22, IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). IL-22 causes psoriasiform changes when injected into human skin and likely plays a major role in the development of the psoriatic plaque. The chemokine receptor CCR6 is present on virtually all human T cells …

Reviewing Author

Mark V. Dahl, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Ulthera, Inc.; AuBio LifeSciences, LLC; Paris Therapeutics

Equity Elorac, Inc.; Makucell, Inc.; Paris Therapeutics

Editorial boards UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societiesNational Rosacea Society (Chairman, Medical Board)

Mark V. Dahl, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Ulthera, Inc.; AuBio LifeSciences, LLC; Paris Therapeutics

Equity Elorac, Inc.; Makucell, Inc.; Paris Therapeutics

Editorial boards UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societiesNational Rosacea Society (Chairman, Medical Board)