Can We Treat Psoriasis Without Suppressing the Immune System?
Summary: A study has uncovered a promising approach to treating psoriasis by restoring immune balance rather than suppressing the immune system. Unlike conventional treatments that inhibit pro-inflammatory immune cells, this research focuses on regulatory T cells (Treg cells)—key players in preventing excessive immune responses. This discovery paves the way for targeted therapies that restore immune balance without the side effects of current immunosuppressive drugs.
Can We Treat Psoriasis Without Suppressing the Immune System?
Psoriasis affects around 250,000 people in Austria, making it one of the most prevalent chronic inflammatory skin conditions. Traditional treatments mainly work by blocking pro-inflammatory immune cells, but a groundbreaking study by MedUni Vienna has discovered a targeted way to restore anti-inflammatory immune cells instead. Published in the journal “Immunity,” this research could lead to a more precise therapy with fewer side effects.
Did you Know?
Psoriasis affects between 0.09% and 11.43% of people worldwide, impacting over 100 million individuals.
In India, studies have reported varying prevalence rates of psoriasis among dermatology patients:
A comprehensive study found that psoriasis prevalence among skin patients ranged from 0.44% to 2.2%.
Another study reported a point prevalence of 1.3% among dermatology patients, with a higher incidence in males (male-to-female ratio of 2.5:1).
The Role of Regulatory T Cells in Psoriasis
Led by Georg Stary from MedUni Vienna’s Department of Dermatology, the study focuses on regulatory T cells (Treg cells), a crucial part of the immune system that prevents excessive immune responses. In chronic inflammatory skin diseases like psoriasis, these Treg cells lose their ability to regulate inflammation, leading to uncontrolled immune activity and disease progression.
The researchers have now uncovered why this happens:
- A malfunction in cellular metabolism disrupts the anti-inflammatory function of Treg cells.
- The enzyme SSAT plays a key role by regulating molecules (polyamines) that balance immune responses.
- If SSAT levels are too high, Treg cells switch sides, producing pro-inflammatory messengers instead of suppressing inflammation.
A Game-Changer: Interrupting the Psoriasis Inflammation Cycle
This discovery opens the door to a potential new treatment. In a mouse model of psoriasis, the researchers blocked SSAT and found that:
- Treg cells regained their anti-inflammatory function.
- Inflammation was significantly reduced.
This means that developing drugs targeting SSAT could offer a promising alternative to current psoriasis treatments, which often lead to immunosuppression and increased infection risk.
Could This Approach Work for Other Diseases?
According to Georg Stary, this research could extend beyond psoriasis to other chronic inflammatory diseases affecting the skin and other organs. With further studies, this innovative therapy may revolutionize inflammation treatment across multiple conditions.
“Since other chronic inflammatory diseases of the skin or other organs are also characterised by impaired immune regulation, our approach could be important beyond psoriasis,” says Stary.
Final Thoughts: A Future Without Harsh Psoriasis Treatments?
This groundbreaking study sheds light on a smarter way to treat psoriasis by restoring the body’s natural immune balance instead of suppressing it. While more research is needed, this discovery could lead to safer, more effective treatments for psoriasis and other inflammatory diseases.
What do you think? Would you prefer a treatment that regulates inflammation naturally? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Dane
I am an MBBS graduate and a dedicated medical writer with a strong passion for deep research and psychology. I enjoy breaking down complex medical topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content, aiming to educate and inspire readers by exploring the fascinating connection between health, science, and the human mind.
