Guttate psoriasis is associated with an intermediate phenotype of impaired Langerhans cell migration

BACKGROUND: An episode of guttate psoriasis can be an isolated event, can recur as guttate episodes, or develop into chronic plaque psoriasis (CPP). A previous study revealed that early-onset (before age 40�years) CPP is associated with inhibition of epidermal Langerhans cell (LC) migration. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether guttate psoriasis is also associated with abnormal LC mobilization. METHODS: Three groups of patients were recruited: current guttate episode (n�=�5); guttate psoriasis progressed to CPP (n�=�6); and resolved guttate psoriasis (n�=�2). Biopsies were taken from uninvolved skin and LC migration was measured ex vivo using an epidermal explant model. RESULTS: Patients with a current episode of guttate psoriasis displayed epidermal LC migration, although the extent was significantly lower than in skin from healthy controls (P�