Abstract
<jats:p>Psoriasis (Pso) is one of the most common chronic autoimmune skin disorders, described in the history of medicine since ancient times. Despite the numerous therapeutic options available, there is currently no drug that can completely cure skin lesions, and the discovery of new effective therapeutic agents represents a challenge for researchers. To avoid the failure of clinical trials in an advanced phase, it is imperative to carry out serious preclinical studies based on predictive and relevant experimental models. In the past 60 years, various animal models that resemble Pso have been developed, involving spontaneous mutations, genetic engineering, xenotransplantation, and direct-induction by topical application or intradermal injection. All these experimental approaches, with their specific advantages and limitations, aim to explain the complex pathogenesis of this pathology and to identify new potential therapeutic strategies. Although experimental Pso closely mimics the clinical hallmarks of human disease, a perfect Pso-related animal model that completely resembles the complex human disease still remains a desideratum. Until now, there is no single model that can meet all of the research needs. The development of an effective experimental model would improve the success rate of clinical trials based on new therapeutic agents, leading to significantly reduced costs in terms of both money and time. Refining the experimental models could contribute in the future to a better understanding of Pso’s pathogenesis, to finding new effective therapeutic agents, and ultimately to the complete cure of psoriatic lesions. This chapter summarizes the relevant Pso-related animal models with their specific features, strengths, and limitations.</jats:p>