Imiquimod-induced psoriatiforme dermatitis (IIPD)

Daily topical application of imiquimod (IMQ), a TLR7/8 ligand and potent immune activator, on the back skin of mice can induce and exacerbate psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disorder in mice. This is indicated by induced inflamed scaly skin lesions that resemble plaque type psoriasis. These lesions show increased epidermal proliferation, abnormal differentiation, and epidermal accumulation of neutrophils, T cells, dendritic cells, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells. In our department we use this rapid and convenient model for further elucidation of pathogenic mechanisms and evaluation of new therapies in psoriasis.