Extracellular Traps in Psoriasis: Pathogenesis and Therapy

Extracellular trap formation (ETosis) is considered a novel form of cell death. These structures, composed of DNA, histones, and granular proteins, serve as a crucial defense mechanism against pathogen invasion. However, excessive extracellular trap formation can contribute to the development and exacerbation of inflammatory diseases, particularly psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic, multifactorial, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder that affects approximately 2%–3% of the global population. Although the mechanisms underlying psoriasis remain unclear, increasing evidence indicates that extracellular traps released by neutrophils, mast cells, macrophages, and lymphocytes are involved in its pathogenesis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of mechanisms underlying ETosis in the context of psoriasis, with a focus on the characteristics of extracellular traps, the immune cells involved, and their network interactions. It also explores novel pharmacological approaches that target extracellular traps, then discusses their translational prospects and clinical implications.