Connective Tissue Growth Factor Neutralization Aggravates the Psoriasis Skin Lesion: The Analysis of Psoriasis Model Mice and Patients

BACKGROUND: Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a multifunctional cellular protein and playing a role as a central mediator in tissue remodeling and fibrosis. The physiological function of CTGF in psoriasis is unknown. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the function of CTGF in psoriasis using the established imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis murine model and psoriasis patients. METHODS: Anti-CTGF monoclonal antibody was applied to IMQ induced psoriasis mice and those skin were clinically, pathologically and immunologically analyzed. Additionally, CTGF expression was analyzes using skin samples and plasma from psoriasis patients. RESULTS: CTGF expression was observed in the dermis from both IMQ-induced psoriatic mice and psoriasis patients. CTGF inhibition using an anti-CTGF antibody slightly worsened IMQ-induced dermatitis. In addition, the increase of CTGF showed tendency to suppress the psoriatic dermatitis through inhibition of suprabasal cells proliferation and macrophage infiltration in the skin. CTGF was also detected significantly higher in plasma from psoriasis patients comparing with healthy control. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that CTGF could contribute to the healing rather than the worsening of psoriasis skin lesions.