Abstract

Psoriasis is one of the most common human skin diseases and is considered to have key genetic underpinnings. It is characterized by excessive growth and aberrant differentiation of keratinocytes, but is fully reversible with appropriate therapy. The trigger of the keratinocyte response is thought to be activation of the cellular immune system, with T cells, dendritic cells and various immune-related cytokines and chemokines implicated in pathogenesis. The newest therapies for psoriasis target its immune components and may predict potential treatments for other inflammatory human diseases.

1. Laboratory for Investigative Dermatology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, Box 178, New York, New York 10021, USA.
2. Department of Genetics, Washington University, School of Medicine, 4566 Scott Avenue, Saint Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.

Correspondence to: J.G.K. (Email: jgk@rockefeller.edu). Reprints and permissions information is available at npg.nature.com/reprintsandpermissions.

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