Immunological aspects of psoriasis.

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Abstract
Sixteen patients were investigated before and after 1 mo. of PUVA [8-methoxy psoralen plus longwave UV light] therapy (3 times/wk) for circulating immune complexes (CIC) and T[thymus-derived]-cell markers. CIC were detected by the PEG[polyethylene glycol]-C4 [complement component 4] assay, using a laser nephelometry determination of PEG, 3.5% precipitated endogenous C4. T cells were evaluated by E [erythrocyte] rosettes, active E rosettes, anti-HTLA [human T lymphocyte antigens] serum and ox EA [E-antibody] .gamma.-rosettes. This latter method investigated mainly T cells bearing Fc receptors for Ig[immunoglobulin]G (T .gamma.-cells). After 1 mo. of PUVA-therapy the cutaneous lesions markedly improved, the mean percentages of E rosettes, active E rosettes and HTLA bearing cells, depressed before treatment, returned to normal CIC were found in higher amounts and T .gamma.-cell numbers decreased simultaneously. The improvement of T cell levels assessed by E rosettes, active E rosettes and HTLA values was correlated with clearing of skin lesions, as previously reported by others. The increase of CIC during PUVA therapy, their correlation with T .gamma.-cell decrease, and their possible role in the pathogenic chain of psoriasis remains uncertain.