IL23R Variant Shows Protective Association in Psoriasis Susceptibility Study

A genetic variant in the IL23R gene may confer protection against psoriasis in an Eastern European population, reinforcing the central role of the IL-23/Th17 pathway in disease pathogenesis, according to a multicenter case-control study conducted in Romania.

Investigators evaluated the association between IL23R rs11209026 and IL12B rs3213094 polymorphisms and psoriasis susceptibility in adults with moderate-to-severe disease receiving biologic therapy. The study included patients with clinically and histopathologically confirmed psoriasis and matched controls without inflammatory or autoimmune conditions. Genotyping was performed using standardized assays, and associations were analyzed under a dominant genetic model.

Results demonstrated a significant association between the IL23R rs11209026 polymorphism and psoriasis risk. Carriers of the A allele (AA or GA genotypes) had lower odds of developing psoriasis compared with individuals homozygous for the GG genotype. The authors reported that “carriers of the A allele…showed reduced odds of psoriasis,” supporting a protective effect of this variant.

In contrast, no significant association was identified between psoriasis susceptibility and the IL12B rs3213094 polymorphism, suggesting a more limited role for this genetic variant in this population.

The study also identified alcohol consumption as an independent risk factor for psoriasis, highlighting the interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental triggers.

The authors concluded that their findings “support the protective association of IL23R rs11209026 A allele with psoriasis” and further emphasize “the importance of the IL-23 pathway in disease pathogenesis.”

Reference
Matei-Man AM, Gaal IO, Catana A, et al. Genetic association study of IL23R and IL12B polymorphisms with psoriasis in a Romanian population. Life (Basel). 2026;16(4):574. doi:10.3390/life16040574