A Chronic Psoriasis Model Using Long-Term Imiquimod Application in IL-10-Deficient Mice: Recapitulating Skin Inflammation, Comorbidities, and Gut-Skin Axis Alterations.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Psoriasis is a persistent systemic inflammatory condition mediated by the interleukin (IL)-23/IL-17 signaling pathway. Existing murine models, including imiquimod (IMQ)-applied wild-type (WT) mice, may not reflect chronicity and systemic comorbidities of psoriasis, particularly gut-related manifestations linked to the gut-skin axis.

Objective

To establish a murine model that more accurately reflects chronic psoriasis, its systemic comorbidities, and associated gut environment alterations.

Methods

C57BL/6 IL-10-deficient (IL-10 knockout [KO]) and WT mice received topical IMQ or vehicle for 6 weeks. Subsequently, tissue samples from skin, colon, joints, kidneys, liver, abdominal aortas, lymph nodes, and spleens, as well as fecal and blood samples, were collec

SUBMITTER: Kim JH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12715878 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature