CCL4L polymorphisms and CCL4/CCL4L serum levels are associated with psoriasis severity

J Invest Dermatol. 2011 Sep;131(9):1830-7. doi: 10.1038/jid.2011.127. Epub 2011 May 26.

Abstract

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disease with key immunological and genetic components. Recruitment of leukocytes into the skin is a central step in its pathogenesis, mediated by cytokines. Among the cytokines expressed in psoriatic lesions, C-C chemokine ligand 4 (CCL4) and C-C chemokine ligand 4-like (CCL4L) chemokines appear to be pivotal elements for the skin recruitment of proinflammatory cells. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between CCL4L polymorphisms (including single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and copy number variation (CNV)) and the course and prognosis of psoriasis. We analyzed the CNV and the rs4796195 SNP in 211 psoriatic patients and 234 controls; sera from both populations were also quantified for CCL4/CCL4L protein. Our results showed that a high CNV (≥3 copies) is associated with psoriasis severity, whereas moderate disease correlated with a lower CNV (≤2 copies); specifically, the CCL4L1 allele frequency is higher in severe psoriasis, whereas CCL4L2 is more frequent in patients with a milder disease. In addition, we found a positive correlation between the CNV and sera protein levels. Our results suggest that CCL4L genotyping could not only allow a better understanding of the psoriatic pathogenesis but could also be used as a prognostic tool, even helping to modulate the efficacy of treatments.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chemokine CCL4 / blood*
  • Chemokine CCL4 / genetics*
  • Chemokine CCL4 / immunology
  • Chemokines, CC / blood*
  • Chemokines, CC / genetics*
  • Chemokines, CC / immunology
  • Female
  • Gene Dosage / genetics
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide / genetics
  • Prognosis
  • Psoriasis / genetics*
  • Psoriasis / immunology
  • Psoriasis / metabolism
  • Severity of Illness Index*

Substances

  • CCL4L1 protein, human
  • Chemokine CCL4
  • Chemokines, CC