What is happening in terms of research?

Psoriasis is like a jigsaw in which all the pieces play their role. Researchers throughout the world are working on this complex puzzle.

A great deal of research is currently being conducted based on advances in molecular biology. This aim of this research is to identify the genetic and immunological factors involved in the onset and progression of psoriasis.

Read more about

Genomic

Cellular

Treatments

Genomic

Advances in the study of the human genome will enable us to understand complex genetics and identify appropriate treatments.
 
Studies has been conducted since 1996, and the findings of which are currently being analysed.

 

Cellular research

It is well-known that polymorphonuclear neutrophils and T lymphocytes are involved in the inflammatory reactions of psoriatic skin.
Some current research is focusing on these types of cells in an attempt to find an answer to two key questions:

• What attracts polymorphs and T lymphocytes to the skin?
• Once they have been activated, how do they affect skin functions and lead to psoriasis becoming chronic?

In addition to polymorphs and T lymphocytes, fibroblasts and endothelial cells are involved. Therefore, researchers study the changes in molecular messengers which disturb the communication between cells in psoriasis.

Treatments

In the future, molecular therapies may be more precise and related to  fewer side effects.

New medicines are currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials, and should be available on the market in two years' time. They use a number of molecules which have the specific effect of inhibiting T lymphocytes. The aim of these medicines is to reduce the amount of eruptions of psoriasis.

If it would be possible to take control over these molecules it may be possible to clear psoriatic plaques.

We have seen that psoriasis is perpetuated by disturbances to the skin's immune functions. Existing medicines inhibit cutaneous immune reactions, but these all have side effects.

Researchers are therefore concentrating on molecules which will be more effective and better tolerated.

Also, research is underway to improve immunosuppressants which can be administered locally and therefore may be better tolerated.