Possible involvement of epidermodysplasia verruciformis human papillomaviruses in the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis: a proposed hypothesis. 2003

Slawomir Majewski, and Stefania Jablonska
Department of Medicine and Venereology, Warsaw School of Medicine, Poland.

We have shown previously in psoriasis a very high prevalence of epidermodysplasia verruciforms-associated human papillomavirus 5 (EVHPV5) DNA and antibodies to human papillomavirus 5 (HPV5) virus-like particle (VLP) L1, and we suggested that this benign hyperproliferative disorder could be a reservoir for EVHPVs. Here we provide new data confirming the expression of EVHPVs in psoriasis and present our hypothesis on their possible involvement in the immunopathogenesis of the disorder. The new important finding was detection by radioimmunoprecipitation assay of a very high prevalence of antibodies to E6/E7 HPV5 oncoproteins, known to enhance keratinocyte proliferation. More recently, EV genes were identified, EVER1 and EVER2, whose mutations are responsible for epidermodysplasia verruciformis. Eidermodysplasia verruciforms-associated human papillomaviruses are harmless to the general population as a result of genetic restriction, which in psoriasis appears to be partly alleviated, and this may allow the viral gene expression. We hypothesize that induction of keratinocyte proliferation in psoriasis by various stimuli initiates the EVHPV life cycle with expression of early (E6/E7) and late (L1) viral proteins. The early proteins may, in turn, enhance the keratinocyte proliferation, and the late proteins could serve as target for specific-B- and T-cell-mediated responses. Immune responses against the viral antigens in the epidermis may result in the chemoattraction of leukocytes and Munro abscess formation, as well as in production of the psoriatic process. The novel immunomodulatory therapies could also inhibit immune responses against EVHPV proteins, leading to decreased cytokine production, keratinocyte proliferation and EVHPV expression. Thus the beneficial effect of these therapies is not discordant with the propose hypothesis of possible involvement of EVHPVs in the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007962 Leukocytes White blood cells. These include granular leukocytes (BASOPHILS; EOSINOPHILS; and NEUTROPHILS) as well as non-granular leukocytes (LYMPHOCYTES and MONOCYTES). Blood Cells, White,Blood Corpuscles, White,White Blood Cells,White Blood Corpuscles,Blood Cell, White,Blood Corpuscle, White,Corpuscle, White Blood,Corpuscles, White Blood,Leukocyte,White Blood Cell,White Blood Corpuscle
D008954 Models, Biological Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of biological processes or diseases. For disease models in living animals, DISEASE MODELS, ANIMAL is available. Biological models include the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment. Biological Model,Biological Models,Model, Biological,Models, Biologic,Biologic Model,Biologic Models,Model, Biologic
D008962 Models, Theoretical Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of systems, processes, or phenomena. They include the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment. Experimental Model,Experimental Models,Mathematical Model,Model, Experimental,Models (Theoretical),Models, Experimental,Models, Theoretic,Theoretical Study,Mathematical Models,Model (Theoretical),Model, Mathematical,Model, Theoretical,Models, Mathematical,Studies, Theoretical,Study, Theoretical,Theoretical Model,Theoretical Models,Theoretical Studies
D011565 Psoriasis A common genetically determined, chronic, inflammatory skin disease characterized by rounded erythematous, dry, scaling patches. The lesions have a predilection for nails, scalp, genitalia, extensor surfaces, and the lumbosacral region. Accelerated epidermopoiesis is considered to be the fundamental pathologic feature in psoriasis. Palmoplantaris Pustulosis,Pustular Psoriasis of Palms and Soles,Pustulosis Palmaris et Plantaris,Pustulosis of Palms and Soles,Psoriases
D002455 Cell Division The fission of a CELL. It includes CYTOKINESIS, when the CYTOPLASM of a cell is divided, and CELL NUCLEUS DIVISION. M Phase,Cell Division Phase,Cell Divisions,Division Phase, Cell,Division, Cell,Divisions, Cell,M Phases,Phase, Cell Division,Phase, M,Phases, M
D004819 Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis An autosomal recessive trait with impaired cell-mediated immunity. About 15 human papillomaviruses are implicated in associated infection, four of which lead to skin neoplasms. The disease begins in childhood with red papules and later spreads over the body as gray or yellow scales. Lewandowsky-Lutz Disease,Lutz-Lewandowsky Disease,Disease, Lewandowsky-Lutz,Disease, Lutz-Lewandowsky,Lewandowsky Lutz Disease,Lutz Lewandowsky Disease
D005838 Genotype The genetic constitution of the individual, comprising the ALLELES present at each GENETIC LOCUS. Genogroup,Genogroups,Genotypes
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D012878 Skin Neoplasms Tumors or cancer of the SKIN. Cancer of Skin,Skin Cancer,Cancer of the Skin,Neoplasms, Skin,Cancer, Skin,Cancers, Skin,Neoplasm, Skin,Skin Cancers,Skin Neoplasm
D014764 Viral Proteins Proteins found in any species of virus. Gene Products, Viral,Viral Gene Products,Viral Gene Proteins,Viral Protein,Protein, Viral,Proteins, Viral

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