New genetic study reveals why psoriasis severity varies among patients

A groundbreaking study led by Newcastle University and Queen Mary University of London has uncovered new genetic clues that could change how psoriasis is treated. The research, published in Communications Medicine, combines advanced AI and computational techniques to analyse skin and blood samples from patients. Findings reveal how genetic and lifestyle factors influence disease severity and response to therapy.

The study examined blood, lesional, and non-lesional skin data to understand why psoriasis varies so widely among patients. Researchers identified two key genetic variants—HLADQA101 and HLADRB115—that are strongly linked to more severe forms of the condition. These variants help explain why some individuals experience worse symptoms from the outset.

A 9-gene biomarker panel was also discovered, offering a potential way to classify patients based on disease activity. This tool could help doctors tailor treatments more precisely. Additionally, a 14-gene signature tied to body mass index (BMI) was found in unaffected skin, suggesting that metabolic factors like obesity play a role in how psoriasis develops and progresses.

When patients received the biologic drug adalimumab, blood tests showed distinct changes in immune-related gene activity. This indicates that specific white blood cell populations respond to treatment, providing clues about how biologics like etanercept, infliximab, and secukinumab might work differently in individual cases. Professor Nick Reynolds, the study's senior author, emphasised that these insights bridge genetic predisposition and modifiable factors like weight, shaping both disease severity and treatment outcomes.

Co-senior author Mike Barnes highlighted the study's open-access data repository as a major asset for global researchers. The resource allows scientists to explore gene pathways linked to psoriasis, accelerating future discoveries in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

The findings mark a significant step in dermatological research, revealing the complex molecular mechanisms behind psoriasis. By linking genetic markers, metabolic factors, and treatment responses, the study provides a foundation for more personalised therapies. The data is now available for further investigation, potentially benefiting the 2% of the UK population affected by this chronic condition.