Genetically modified animals as models of the pathological processes in psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic recurrent disorder that affects predominantly the skin and is autoimmune in nature. Experimental models help to study the development of psoriasis in controlled conditions and investigate particular aspects of the pathological process. Many mouse models were obtained to reproduce, to a certain extent, the psoriasis signs seen in humans. Genetically modified animals help to reveal the new genes whose mutations potentially underlie the disease and to search for new therapeutic targets. Moreover, the animal models are used to test new drugs and therapies. The review summarizes the published data on the laboratory animal models of the psoriatic process.