HLA-Cw6 and psoriasis

Abstract

Summary Psoriasis is a disease which causes, among other symptoms, red, scaly patches of skin. It is a complex disease because there are several different factors that work together to cause it, including those that are environmental and those that are genetic. Because of these variables, psoriasis can affect patients differently, with varying symptoms, areas of the body affected and how treatments work. Different versions of the same gene are called alleles, and some alleles make a person more prone to certain diseases or symptoms. Psoriasis susceptibility alleles have been thought to play an important role in the development of the disease, in particular one called HLA-Cw6 which has been linked to features such as early onset psoriasis and a certain type of skin patches (lesions) called guttate lesions. This article, from the National Taiwan University Hospital, is a review, summarizing the key findings from a range of studies into HLA-Cw6 and psoriasis. The worldwide frequency of HLA-Cw6 allele varies greatly, but is generally higher in Caucasians. The allele is associated with Type I early onset psoriasis. Stress, obesity, and an infection called streptococcal pharyngitis are commonly found in patients with HLA-Cw6 allele (HLA-Cw6 positive patients). HLA-Cw6 is found to be linked to a type of psoriasis called guttate psoriasis in some studies. In addition, patients carrying the allele are more likely to have lesions on their arms, legs and trunk. Studies also show that HLA-Cw6 positive patients have more success with certain treatments than people without the allele. All of these findings could eventually help predict and plan for how different patients’ psoriasis develops and is treated, although more research is needed first.