Immunocompetent cells in psoriasis

Abstract

Immunocompetent cells in exacerbating untreated psoriasis vulgaris skin lesions were immunophenotypically studied by the application of a selection of monoclonal antibodies in a two-stage immunoperoxidase technique. Epidermal changes include: focal accumulation of immunoglobulins in the stratum corneum, as demonstrated by a mixture of monoclonal anti-kappa and anti-lambda antibodies; focal accumulation of OKM-1 positive but Mo-2 negative cells high in the epidermis, reflecting granulocytes in Munro's abscesses; a marked decrease in epidermal Langerhans cells with focal abnormal clumping and smaller dendrites, as demonstrated by monoclonal anti-HLA-DR and anti-T6 (OKT-6) antibodies; and, sporadic exocytosis of mainly T1 (Leu-1), T8 (Leu-2a) positive suppressor/cytotoxic T lymphocytes. The dermal infiltrates were found to consist mainly of partically activated T1 (Leu-1), T4 (Leu-3a) positive T-helper/inducer cells with a smaller compartment of T1 (Leu-1), T8 (Leu-2a) positive suppressor/cytotoxic lymphocytes. These cells were found in close apposition to T6 (OKT-6), HLA-DR positive Langerhans cells and further accompanied by a minor compartment of OKM-1, Mo-2 positive monocytes. No B-cells or plasma cells could be demonstrated in the dermis. Natural killer cells were observed only incidentally. These results fit best with the hypothesis that psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition as a result of persistent stimulation of T cells by immunogen(s) of epidermal origin.

The association of sore throat and psoriasis might be explained by histologically distinctive tonsils and increased expression of skin-homing molecules by tonsil T cells

“…+ and γδ-T cells [2][3][4]. Psoriasis affects approximately 2% of people of both sexes [5], with diminished quality of life [6] and significant co-morbidities [7].…”

Identification and Characterization of a Novel, Psoriasis Susceptibility-related Noncoding RNA gene, PRINS

“…Hyperproliferation of keratinocytes in the psoriatic plaques is triggered by infiltrating T-lymphocytes at the dermal-epidermal junction (13). Keratinocytes in the uninvolved skin of psoriatic patients have an inherent sensitivity to proliferative signals, and this elevated sensitivity plays a crucial role in the development of psoriatic lesions (14,15).…”

Targeted phototherapy

“…NB-UVB phototherapy has a higher ratio of therapeutic to erythemogenic activity, resulting in increased efficacy, reduced incidence of burning and longer remission. Results from two therapeutic action spectroscopy studies indicated that wavelengths of the range 295-320 nm are effective in clearing psoriasis, whereas shorter wavelengths are more erythemogenic, and wavelengths longer than 320 are less therapeutic [37,38]. Subsequent clinical studies have tended to report significantly greater improvement of psoriasis with NB-UVB including reduced incidence of burning episodes, increased efficacy and longer remission when compared with broad band sources [39].…”

“…The Soret band (approximately 405-420 nm) is the most important excitation peak for protoporphyrin IX and is included in the spectral output of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved Blu-U device, which is used with ALA. Another peak in the excitation spectrum for porphyrins includes red light at approximately 635 nm, which is targeted by different devices, including those approved to be used with MAL [34,[36][37][38].…”