In situ localization of IFN-gamma-positive cells in psoriatic lesional epidermis.

Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is believed to be an important mediator in the cytokine cascade of psoriasis. Lesional T cells in the epidermis may play a role in psoriasis. We examined whether IFN-gamma-producing T cells were present in the epidermis of psoriasis in situ by immunohistochemical techniques. Mixtures of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells were found to be present in the papillary dermis and the epidermis of the psoriatic lesions. CD8+ T cells seemed to be dominant in the epidermis. Considerable amounts of IFN-gamma-positive cells were detected in infiltrates of the papillary dermis. IFN-gamma-positive cells were found to be present in the epidermis. The pattern of IFN-gamma staining appeared to be a combination of intracellular staining in mononuclear lymphoid cells and extracellular deposition in the surrounding areas. The staining was considered to be highly specific because it could be completely blocked by preabsorption with recombinant IFN-gamma. Our data suggest that psoriatic epidermal T cells produce and secrete IFN-gamma within the lesion and that these T cells are involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.