Guttate psoriasis is associated with an intermediate phenotype of impaired Langerhans cell migration

Summary Background An episode of guttate psoriasis can be an isolated event, can recur as guttate episodes, or develop into chronic plaque psoriasis (CPP). A previous study revealed that early‐onset (before age 40 years) CPP is associated with inhibition of epidermal Langerhans cell (LC) migration. Objectives To determine whether guttate psoriasis is also associated with abnormal LC mobilization. Methods Three groups of patients were recruited: current guttate episode (n = 5); guttate psoriasis progressed to CPP (n = 6); and resolved guttate psoriasis (n = 2). Biopsies were taken from uninvolved skin and LC migration was measured ex vivo using an epidermal explant model. Results Patients with a current episode of guttate psoriasis displayed epidermal LC migration, although the extent was significantly lower than in skin from healthy controls (P