The role of intraepithelial lymphocytes in cutaneous immunity and in the generation of psoriasiform pathology

Seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis are chronic, inflammatory skin conditions that are extremely difficult to treat. Despite extensive research, the cause of these conditions is not known, although they have been linked to impairment of normal immunological response. Darryl Oble is investigating whether a genetic defect that renders cells unable to signal the immune system to repair damage predisposes people to developing inflammatory skin conditions. Similar genetic issues are involved in other immunologically-based diseases, such as Type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer and other conditions. As a result, this research could help explain how these diseases develop, lead to more successful treatments for a variety of conditions and reduce side effects.