Involvement of microflora-induced Th17 cells in psoriasis

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Skin phenotypes of germ-free mice were compared with those of control SPF mice. The epidermis of germ-free mice was atrophic compared to SPF mice. Markers for keratinocyte differentiation such as keratins were histologically stained. Next, we studied whether pathogens can be a trigger for the development of psoriasis. S. aureus and S. epidermidis were heat-inactivated and added to the cultured keratinocytes. Cytokines and anti-microbial peptides were induced. Imiquimod, an activator of innate immunity, was used for the development of psoriatic skin lesions. Back skin of the mice was shaved and imiquimod was topically applied for the five consecutive days. One week after the application, erythema and scales appeared on the skin. Histological analyses confirmed the development of psoriasis.