Biological activity of vitamin D analogues in the skin, with special reference to antipsoriatic mechanisms.

Active vitamin D3 modulates epidermal growth, keratinization and inflammation, and various vitamin D3 analogues have been shown to be effective in the treatment of psoriasis. These analogues now provide a useful addition to the therapeutic modalities available for the treatment of psoriasis. Epidermal hyperproliferation, abnormal keratinization and inflammation are the well-established hallmarks of the psoriatic plaque. The aim of this review is to provide an update of information on the cell biological effects of vitamin D3, and the influence of vitamin D analogues on the pathomechanisms of psoriasis.