Special immune cells triggers psoriasis

Certain immune cells play a crucial role in psoriasis

Psoriasis is a relatively common complaint that not only causes significant harm to self-esteem, but also potential complications, complications and increased risks of other diseases. However, the cause of psoriasis is still not clear. A research team of the Hannover Medical School (MHH) has now identified certain cells of the immune system as relevant factors of the autoimmune disease.

Over 2 million Germans suffer from psoriasis. What causes their illness, however, has so far been insufficiently researched. The team around Professor However, Immo Prinz from the Department of Immunology at MHH has now demonstrated that special cells of the immune system called "gamma-delta T cells" play a crucial role here. Their findings were published in the journal "Journal of Experimental Medicine".

In the development of psoriasis, certain immune cells - so-called "gamma-delta T cells" - play a significant role. (Image: maksim28142 / fotolia.com)

Imminent severe sequelae

Psoriasis is a non-infectious autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues, causing inflammatory reactions that steadily stimulate the body to produce new skin cells. The symptoms are accompanied by pain, tightness and itching in the area of ​​the affected skin. Also, psoriasis often brings serious accompanying diseases or complications that go as far as diabetes, hypertension and heart attacks.

Previous treatment methods only partially successful

The currently available treatment options for psoriasis are not promising in all people, not least because the triggers of the disease are poorly understood. The team around Professor Prinz has long suspected that the so-called gamma-delta T cells play a crucial role in psoriasis and related inflammatory reactions. In their current study, the researchers have examined this assumption using a mouse model

Scales of psoriasis identified

"With this model, we can specifically switch off gamma-delta T cells at any time with the help of a genetic tricks, that is, shortly before the onset of psoriasis," explains Professor Prinz. If the cells were switched off, psoriasis did not develop, according to Professor Prinz. "The gamma-delta T cells are thus the villains of psoriasis," emphasizes the expert.

Hope for new therapeutic approaches

In the newly developed mouse model, the function of the gamma-delta T cells can now be further elucidated. These white blood cells are found in almost every tissue of the body, and they are believed to be involved in the defense against infectious and tumorous diseases, explain the scientists. However, the contribution that they make is not completely clear. "The use of our new mouse model together with already established mouse models will help to clarify these questions," says first author Dr. Inga Sandrock. "On this basis, new and targeted therapeutic approaches can be formed," says the expert. (Fp)