Livin upregulation in keratinocytes of psoriasis to promote adhesion molecule expression

Abnormal proliferation and activation of keratinocytes (KCs) are the main pathological features of psoriasis. Activated KCs recruit neutrophils by releasing various antimicrobial peptides and chemokines, promoting neutrophil infiltration in the epidermis and increasing inflammation. This is related to the expression of KC adhesion molecules; however, the regulatory mechanism governing their expression is still unclear. Livin, an inhibitor of apoptosis protein family member involved in the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells, is significantly increased in psoriatic lesions. However, the role of Livin in KCs has not yet been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Livin in regulating adhesion molecule expression in KCs and the release of chemokines that promote the activation and adhesion of neutrophils.