Suppressor cell function in psoriasis.
Recent studies suggest that autoimmunity may play a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. In view of these findings, it is postulated that the immunologic defect may be associated with regulation of the immune system. A study was undertaken to determine whether a suppressor cell defect was present. Two groups of patients with active psoriasis who were receiving no therapy were selected. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were pulsed with concanavalin A, 40 microgram/cc, for 48 hours. Their ability to suppress a mixed lymphocyte reaction with both autologous and allogeneic responding cells was assessed. There was a significant decrease in suppressor activity in psoriasis patients compared with normal individuals. Although we have not demonstrated that this mechanism is implicated directly in a causal relationship to psoriasis, it nevertheless gives further support to the possible role of the immune system in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
D003208:Concanavalin A / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D007959:Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed / Q000379:methods; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000276:immunology*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*
D003208:Concanavalin A