Expression of B and T lymphocyte attenuator, retinoid‐related orphan receptor gamma‐isoform‐t and interleukin 7 in psoriasis vulgaris

Abstract

Background/Objectives

Psoriasis is one of the immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases where CD4+ T lymphocytes, mainly Th1 cells, and B lymphocytes contribute in their pathogenesis through a pro‐inflammatory effect, production of antibodies, activation of T cells and cytokine synthesis. B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) is a co‐inhibitory molecule expressed on T and B lymphocytes as well as other immune cells, and it is necessary to inhibit homoeostatic expansion and activation of lymph node and skin‐resident γδ T cells. BTLA expression is regulated by RORγt and IL‐7. The study aimed at adding more insight on the role played by co‐inhibitory molecule BTLA in psoriasis vulgaris and its inter‐relation with RORγt and IL‐7 to establish a basis for novel treatment strategies.

Methods

This case–control study included 25 patients and 25 controls examined for gene expression of BTLA, RORγt and IL‐7.

Results

B and T lymphocyte attenuator was significantly lower in psoriasis patients, whereas both RORγt and IL‐7 were higher in comparison with controls. A significant positive correlation between disease severity (PASI) and both RORγt and IL‐7 as well as between RORγt and IL‐7 was found. A significant negative correlation between BTLA and both RORγt and IL‐7 was found. Neither the age nor the duration of disease had any correlation with BTLA, RORγt or IL‐7. BTLA had no correlation with PASI. Regarding the control group, a significant negative correlation between RORγt and IL‐7 was found.

Conclusion

B and T lymphocyte attenuator, RORγt and IL‐7 play an important role in psoriasis.

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