New treatment option for psoriasis discovered

As the researchers' analyses revealed, the enzyme SSAT plays a key role in the loss of function of Treg cells. SSAT is involved in the regulation of certain molecules (polyamines) that are important for the balance between anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory immune cells. If SSAT is produced in increased amounts in Treg cells, they lose their regulatory function and begin to produce pro-inflammatory messenger substances themselves. This fuels the excessive immune response typical of psoriasis.

Targeted interruption of the inflammatory cycle

With the key role of SSAT in the inflammatory process, the researchers have simultaneously discovered a new starting point for therapy: In a mouse model with psoriasis-like skin inflammation, it was shown that inhibiting SSAT can restore the regulatory function of Treg cells and break the cycle of inflammation. Thus, the development of specific drugs that specifically inhibit SSAT could represent a promising alternative to existing treatment approaches, which are often associated with immunosuppression and increased susceptibility to infection. "Since other chronic inflammatory diseases of the skin or other organs are also characterised by impaired immune regulation, our approach could be important beyond psoriasis," says Georg Stary, in the prospect of further studies to advance the development of a treatment option with fewer side effects.

Reference:

Neuwirth, Teresa et al., The polyamine-regulating enzyme SSAT1 impairs tissue regulatory T cell function in chronic cutaneous inflammation, Immunity, DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2025.02.011.