Abstract

Sagar N. Ande*, Ravindra L. Bakal, Mahendra D. Kshirsagar, Anil V. Chandewar, Nitin I. Kochar, Deepak S. Mohale and Harigopal S. Sawarkar

ABSTRACT

Psoriasis is an autoimmune inflammatory skin disease characterised by red plaques with silver or white multi-layered scales and a thickened acanthotic epidermis that is markedly demarcated from the adjacent non-lesion skin in affected individuals. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial; genetic, immunological and environmental factors influencing the disease. The major lacuna in designing a dermatological disease model is recapitulating the pathophysiology of the disease from its origin until its manifestation and progression. Each model is based on a slightly different pathogenic mechanism, and each has its strong points/similarities to psoriasis, as well as its limitations, not the least of which are the fundamental morphologic differences between human psoriatic skin and murine psoriasis models. As on today, a relatively large number of models have been developed to study the disease, each trying to mirror the complexity of the mechanisms. The objective of the current review article is to consolidate all the relevant literature pertaining to the various screening methods that have been employed to study psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. This review has shortlisted the ex-vivo, in-vivo and in-vitro animal models for psoriasis which have been developed till date. Murine models in use employ xenotransplantation, direct induction method or knock-in and knock-out studies whereas models currently in use, in-vitro are 2-D and 3-D cell cultures. Also, the various therapies in existence to combat the disease have been highlighted. Although findings have been impressive, there still remains scope for identifying the ideal model of psoriasis which can mimic all the features of the disease.