Immunopeptidome analysis reveals SERPINB3 as an autoantigen driving eczematized psoriasis.

Jargosch, Manja; Kuruvila, Jomy; Scala, Emanuele; Grosch, Johannes; Eigemann, Jessica; Wasserer, Sophia; Lekiashvili, Shalva; Trautwein, Nico et al. · Sci Adv · 2025

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Psoriasis (Pso) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease driven by T helper 17 (T<sub>H</sub>17) cells, with several clinical subtypes. While self-reactive immune responses have been observed, the role of autoantigens in Pso remains unclear. Using immunopeptidomics, we identified serpin family B member 3 (SERPINB3) and SERPINB4 as candidate autoantigens in Pso skin. In a mouse model, the SERPINB3 ortholog Serpinb3b enhanced inflammation, promoted tissue-resident memory T cells, and skewed immunity toward a T<sub>H</sub>2 phenotype. In humans, SERPINB3 reactivity was specifically associated with "eczematized psoriasis" (EczPso), a subtype marked by T<sub>H</sub>2/T<sub>H</sub>17 immune signatures. SERPINB3 protein was enriched in EczPso lesions and highly secreted by keratinocytes under combined T<sub>H</sub>2/T<sub>H</sub>17 stimulation. Lesional T cells from EczPso-but not from eczema or classical plaque Pso-proliferated in response to SERPINB3 and induced EczPso-like features in a skin model. Our findings identify SERPINB3 as an autoantigen driving a distinct Pso subtype, supporting more precise diagnosis and therapy.

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