Comparative in silico docking of bioactive peptides across the gut-skin axis: a systems approach to psoriasis modulation via the host-microbe interactions

Introduction: Psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are chronic immune-mediated disorders sharing epithelial barrier dysfunction, dysbiosis, and sustained pro-inflammatory signaling. The gut–skin axis represents a network of host–microbe interactions, where microbial metabolites and immune responses shape inflammation in both intestinal and cutaneous environments.1 Bioactive peptides (BPeps) from natural sources are promising immunomodulators that may restore barrier integrity and attenuate key pathways such as NF-κB, JAK/STAT, and MAPK.2 Given this complex interplay, molecular docking was applied as an in silico strategy to prioritize peptide–protein interactions for in vitro validation.