Apoptosis in Autoimmunological Diseases, with Particular Consideration of Molecular Aspects of Psoriasis

Abstract

Apoptosis is a natural physiological process involving programmed cell death. Thanks to this process, it is possible to maintain the homeostasis of the body and the immune system. Dysfunctions of this mechanism lead to development of autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis; these diseases are chronic and treatment is extremely difficult. In psoriasis (a skin disease), apoptosis disorders are manifested by keratinocyte proliferation dysfunction. Autoimmune diseases coexisting with psoriasis include multiple sclerosis, autoimmune thyroid disease, and diabetes, but the common pathogenesis of these diseases is not fully understood. Given the heterogenous nature and chronic and recurrent course of psoriasis, the selection of an effective therapeutic strategy is still a problem. This literature review was focused on the process of apoptosis as a factor in the development of autoimmune diseases, with particular emphasis on psoriasis. The work also includes a review of therapeutic methods of psoriasis based on the latest literature.

Figure 1

Apoptosis trials: intrinsic and extrinsic (TNF-alpha – tumor necrosis factor alpha; TNFR – tumor necrosis factor alfa receptor; FasL – Fas ligand; TRADD – TNFRSF1A Associated Via Death Domain; FADD – Fas-associated protein with death domain).

Figure 2

Autoimmune diseases based on apoptosis.

Figure 3

Apoptosis in psoriasis mainly regulated by Bcl-2 family proteins (BH1-BH4 – proteins domains; TM – transmembrane domain).