Scientists have identified a harmful protein in our bodies as the cause of severe psoriasis.

A new study by scientists has uncovered a previously unnoticed factor that may exacerbate the symptoms of psoriasis—a painful and chronic skin condition affecting millions worldwide. Researchers from the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine identified a specific protein, NF-kB c-Rel, which plays a crucial role in the development of inflammation triggered by immune system signals, reports Case Western Reserve University.

In the study published in the journal eBioMedicine, the scientists examined how c-Rel affects a type of immune cell known as dendritic cells. These cells help regulate the body's immune response. The researchers focused on a receptor called TLR7, which helps detect threats such as viruses and bacteria. When TLR7 is activated, it triggers c-Rel, worsening the symptoms of psoriasis.

However, during the study, mice genetically modified to lack c-Rel exhibited significantly less inflammation and healthier skin. This led the scientists to hypothesize that c-Rel is a key element in severe psoriasis flare-ups. Parameswaran Ramakrishnan, the lead researcher, explained the significance of this discovery. "We believe that by focusing on c-Rel and TLR7, scientists will be able to develop more targeted treatments that reduce inflammation and alleviate psoriasis symptoms," he stated.

The team of researchers investigated skin samples from psoriasis patients and compared them with mice modified to mimic the disease. In the affected psoriasis skin, the level of c-Rel was significantly higher, confirming its role in worsening the condition. Angela Liu, another author of the study, noted that their work clearly demonstrates the impact of c-Rel. "Our research shows that c-Rel plays a much more important role in inflammation in psoriasis," she said, "We observed higher levels of c-Rel in psoriasis; mice lacking c-Rel were significantly protected from developing psoriasis and exhibited less inflammation."

These findings suggest that targeting c-Rel could be a new approach to treating psoriasis without affecting the entire immune system. The study also revealed a connection between certain viruses and psoriasis. Some viruses, including HIV, HPV, and hepatitis C, activate TLR7, which then triggers c-Rel. This may explain why some individuals with these viruses experience worsened psoriasis symptoms.

According to Ramakrishnan, further research is necessary to understand how this process occurs. He also suggested that c-Rel and TLR7 might play a role in other diseases, such as lupus and slow wound healing in diabetes, making them important topics for future scientific studies.

According to the World Psoriasis Day Consortium, approximately 125 million people worldwide suffer from this condition. Treatment options include creams, phototherapy, and immunosuppressive medications, but these may not be suitable for everyone. Understanding how proteins like c-Rel influence inflammation in our bodies could lead to more effective treatment methods aimed at addressing the root causes of the disease without compromising the entire immune system.

Currently, scientists are exploring ways to safely block c-Rel to assist individuals with psoriasis and possibly other inflammatory diseases.

This material is for informational purposes only and does not contain advice that could impact your health. If you are experiencing issues, please consult a specialist.