Adamts-like protein 5

Smaller protein group (5 members have been described so far) with a large homology to the ADAMTS family of a group of zinc-containing metalloproteinases, which has 20 members so far.

The ADAMTS-like protein 5 was identified as an autoantigen produced by melanocytes. It is presented in psoriatic inflammation by the HLA major risk gene HLA-C*06:02 and can then be recognized by the T-cell receptor (TCR) Vα3S1/Vβ13S1 on Th17 cells.

Recently, the hypothesis has come to the fore that melanocytes are target cells of an autoimmune response in psoriasis. Psoriasis as an autoimmune reaction against melanocytes of the skin . This would explain the skin-specific character of psoriasis.

1. Arakawa A et al (2015) Melanocyte antigen triggers autoimmunity in human psoriasis. J Exp Med 212: 2203-2212.
2. Prince JC (2016) Autoimmune reaction in psoriasis. Dermatologist 6: 433-437