Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease affecting around 125 million people worldwide, especially in Western countries. It is characterized by hyperproliferative keratinocytes and immune cell infiltration, often involving both skin and joints. The IL-23/IL-17 axis drives disease pathogenesis, with environmental triggers in genetically predisposed individuals initiating a cascade of immune responses. Diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation, dermoscopy, and tools like PASI and BSA scores, with advanced imaging and biomarker-based methods emerging. Key risk factors include genetic predisposition, metabolic conditions, infections, and environmental exposures, all contributing to significant physical and psychological burden.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their exosomes (MSC-Exo) show promise as treatments due to their strong immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. Preclinical studies demonstrate that MSCs inhibit inflammatory pathways, modulate T-cell responses, and reduce keratinocyte proliferation. MSC-Exo offer similar benefits with fewer safety concerns. In vivo studies confirm their ability to suppress IL-17/IL-23 signaling and restore immune balance. Clinical trials report symptom relief and long-term remission with both MSC and exosome therapies, pointing toward exosome-based, cell-free approaches as a safer and potentially more effective direction for psoriasis treatment.

Reference: Dairov A, Sekenova A, Alimbek S, et al. Psoriasis: The Versatility of Mesenchymal Stem Cell and Exosome Therapies. Biomolecules. 2024 Oct 24;14(11):1351. doi: 10.3390/biom14111351. PMID: 39595528; PMCID: PMC11591958.