Our research
Research Priorities
From genetics to epidemiology:
Tackling psoriasis from the inside out
Just as psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis affect the whole person, research must explore these diseases at every level of human biology in pursuit of a cure. You can help
Four pathways, one cure
The National Psoriasis Foundation research program adopts an "inside-out" approach. It focuses on the interlocking elements that make up our bodies and how these systems go wrong in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
The Foundation's four research pathways study the body from its innermost genetic building blocks, outward through the body's systems and tissues, all the way to how the disease is affected by factors like behavior and the environment.
Genetics
Scientists working at the most fundamental level of biology are identifying and studying the genes that influence psoriasis susceptibility, disease progression and response to treatment.
Read about the latest genetic study »
Immunology
In psoriasis, the immune system—the body's natural defense—goes haywire and attacks its own tissues. Researching the immune system's role in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis will lead to ways to permanently control disease symptoms.
Meet one of our immunology researchers »
Skin and joint biology
Studying the biology of the skin and joints, and how these parts of the body respond to immune system reactions, is particularly important to finding new treatments for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
See what our researchers are studying now »
Associated health outcomes
Scientists want to understand how psoriasis interacts with our behaviors and environments, and why psoriasis increases the risk of developing other serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. This knowledge can help us learn how to keep these other diseases at bay.
Learn more from an epidemiologist »