Disruptions of both innate and acquired immune regulation can influence the development of psoriasis.

Psoriasis is well known to have a critically important immune component. Many genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of psoriasis have identified genes involved in epidermal development and immune regulation. Tsoi and colleagues performed a meta-analysis of three GWAS and two independent data sets of genotyped individuals, with a focus on areas of the genome known to be important for immune function.

The researchers identified several new immune-related loci: Candidate genes STAT3, STAT5A, and STAT5B are transcription factors important for the differentiation of TH17 cells; they regulate cytokines associated with psoriasis, such as interleukins IL-20, IL-22, and IL-23. RUNX3 is important for the formation of TH1 CD4+ and CD8+ cells. The researchers also identified genes associated with the innate immune response, such as DDX58 (important in interferon-mediated antiviral responses), ZC3H12C (important for macrophage function), and CARD14 and CARM1 (both important for NF-{kappa}B responses).

Citation(s):

Tsoi LC et al. Identification of 15 new psoriasis susceptibility loci highlights the role of innate immunity. Nat Genet 2012 Dec; 44:1341.