Key role of macrophages in the pathogenesis of CD18 hypomorphic murine model of psoriasis

J Invest Dermatol. 2009 May;129(5):1100-14. doi: 10.1038/jid.2009.43. Epub 2009 Feb 26.

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder of unsolved pathogenesis affecting skin in 2-3% of the general population. Research into the pathogenesis of psoriasis has profited from suitable animal models. Previously, we reported on the CD18 hypomorphic (CD18(hypo)) PL/J mouse model clinically resembling human psoriasis, which is characterized by reduced expression of the common chain of beta(2)-integrins (CD11/CD18) to only 2-16% of wild-type levels. Aside from common clinical and pathophysiological features shared with human psoriasis, the psoriasiform skin disease in CD18(hypo) PL/J mice also depends on the presence of CD4(+) T-cells. This review focuses on the role of activated macrophages in the pathogenesis of CD18(hypo) T-cell-mediated mouse model of psoriasis, and extends our understanding in unrestrained pathogenic T-cells whose activation may be crucial for the recruitment and activation of macrophages within skin. The findings in the CD18(hypo) PL/J model are discussed in the context of current literatures of human and other autoimmune disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD18 Antigens / genetics
  • CD18 Antigens / metabolism*
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Macrophages / pathology
  • Macrophages / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Psoriasis / etiology*
  • Psoriasis / immunology
  • Psoriasis / pathology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / pathology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / physiology
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / metabolism

Substances

  • CD18 Antigens
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha