Researchers Uncover Potential New Approach to Psoriasis Treatment Using Nutritional Supplement

A vitamin B5-derived compound called pantethine may help reduce psoriasis symptoms by controlling overactive immune cells responsible for inflammation, according to a new study. Researchers found that pantethine could prevent psoriasis-like disease in mice and improve symptoms in patients when added to standard treatment.

Published on October 27 in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, the study conducted by researchers in China investigated how pantethine influences dendritic cells, specialised immune cells involved in autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition in which abnormal immune activity causes rapid skin cell turnover, leading to red, scaly and sometimes painful patches.

Researchers identified increased levels of enzymes called Vanins in dendritic cells from patients with psoriasis and other autoimmune conditions.

These enzymes break down pantethine, a vitamin B5 derivative involved in cellular metabolism. The researchers discovered that increased Vanin activity reduced pantethine levels, promoted cholesterol production and triggered excessive activation of dendritic cells.

Importantly, laboratory experiments showed that restoring pantethine levels reduced cholesterol accumulation and suppressed inflammatory immune responses.

In mouse experiments, pantethine treatment significantly reduced psoriasis-like inflammation, while blocking Vanin activity prevented the development of the condition.

To investigate its potential clinical benefits, researchers conducted a small trial involving 24 patients with psoriasis.

All participants received standard topical treatment with calcipotriene and betamethasone ointment, while half additionally received oral pantethine supplements.

After 12 weeks, patients receiving pantethine alongside standard treatment showed greater improvement in psoriasis symptoms, particularly those with elevated cholesterol levels.

Researchers suggested that pantethine may help control inflammation by regulating cholesterol metabolism and preventing excessive immune cell activation.

However, the human trial involved only 24 participants, and larger clinical studies are needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness.

REFERENCE: Dr. Zhang, et al.; Vanin-pantethine metabolic axis shapes dendritic cell function and affects inflammatory disorder progression; Journal of Experimental Medicine; DO: I10.1084/jem.20252558