A nurse is reinforcing teaching about the role of the immune system to a client who has psoriasis. Which of the following explains the immune system dysfunction associated with psoriasis?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Psoriasis is driven by an increase, not suppression, of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-17, and IL-23. These cytokines trigger excessive skin cell proliferation and inflammation. B. Increased production of sebum. Sebum production is linked to conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and acne, not psoriasis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder rather than a condition caused by oil overproduction. C. Overactivation of T-cells. Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disorder where overactive T-cells attack healthy skin cells, leading to increased inflammation and rapid skin cell turnover. This results in the formation of thick, scaly plaques seen in psoriasis. D. Decreased number of Langerhans cells in the dermis. Langerhans cells are antigen-presenting cells involved in immune defense. While they may play a role in immune regulation, psoriasis is primarily caused by T-cell hyperactivity rather than a reduction in Langerhans cells.