Psoriasis is one of the most common immune-mediated chronic inflammatory skin disorders involved in the dysregulated interplay between immune cells and keratinocytes.  Imiquimod is a ligand for TLR7 and TLR8 and when it is applied to the skin, it induces psoriasis-like inflammation. Application results in the influx of immune cells and hyperplasia of the epidermis. Histologically and phenotypically, IMQ-induced psoriasis closely resembles human psoriasis and is dependent on IL-12 and IL-23/IL17.

Axis Bio offers the IMQ-induced psoriasis model with therapeutic intervention on a prophylactic (prior to daily IMQ application), or therapeutic (after daily IMQ application) basis.