PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - STEFANIA LOFFREDO
AU  - FABIO AYALA
AU  - GIANCARLO MARONE
AU  - GABRIELE DELFINO
AU  - SAVERIO STRANGES
AU  - GIANNI MARONE
TI  - Immunopathogenesis of Psoriasis and Pharmacological Perspectives
AID  - 10.3899/jrheum.090210
DP  - 2009 Aug 01
TA  - The Journal of Rheumatology
PG  - 9--11
VI  - 83
4099  - http://www.jrheum.org/content/83/9.short
4100  - http://www.jrheum.org/content/83/9.full
SO  - J Rheumatol2009 Aug 01; 83
AB  - Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disorder resulting from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, although the precise causal agents have not yet been identified. The immune system has a major role in the development of psoriasis, and the possibility exists that self antigens, antigens from microbial agents, or microbial superantigens initiate a vigorous immune response. Different subsets of T lymphocytes and dendritic cells, mast cells, and granulocytes participate in the pathogenesis; and several cytokines and chemokines have been identified in tissue lesions. Tumor necrosis factor–α, interleukin 17 (IL–17), and IL–23 are key cytokines with important pathogenetic roles in psoriasis. Angiogenesis is a prominent early event in lesional psoriatic skin. Potential targets in the treatment of this disorder include biologic agents aimed at blockade of cytokines, chemokines, and angiogenic factors.