Psoriasis is a visible manifestation of the skin's defense against micro-
organisms.

Abstract: The recent discovery that human epidermal cells themselves make and secrete the 
components necessary for activation of the alternative complement pathway appears to 
provide an explanation for how human skin is ordinarily able to avoid colonization by molds 
and other organisms. It also helps clarify the mechanisms underlying clinical and laboratory 
findings seen in chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, dandruff, and psoriasis. Psoriasis seems 
best explainable as a visible, late stage of the inflammatory sequelae of activation of the 
alternative complement pathway in the epidermis.
Author:  
¥Rosenberg EW 
¥Noah PW 
¥Skinner RB Jr 
Address: Department of Medicine (Dermatology), University of Tennessee College of 
Medicine, Memphis.
Abbreviated Journal Title: J Dermatol
Date Of Publication: 1994 Jun
Journal Volume: 21
Page Numbers:  375 through 381 
Number of References: 37
Country of Publication: JAPAN
Language of Article: Eng
Issue/Part/Supplement: 6
ISSN: 0385-2407
MESH Headings:  
¥Complement Activation 
¥Dermatomycoses (Central Concept) 
¥Fungi (Central Concept) 
¥Human 
¥Immunity 
¥Psoriasis (Central Concept) 
¥Skin (Central Concept) 
¥Support, Non-U.S. Gov't 
Article ID: 94342579