Immunobiologics in the treatment of psoriasis

Clin Immunol. 2007 May;123(2):129-38. doi: 10.1016/j.clim.2007.01.006. Epub 2007 Feb 21.

Abstract

The pathogenesis of various inflammatory cutaneous diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and mycosis fungoides relies greatly on the abnormal function of T cells. Fundamental knowledge of the role of T cells in the cutaneous immune response has led to the development and production of biologic molecules designed to block T cell function at various steps, specifically activation (i.e. alefacept, efalizumab), trafficking into inflamed skin (i.e. efalizumab) and effector function under cytokine control (i.e. etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab, and anti-IL-12 antibody). We review the immune abnormalities and the role of T cells in psoriasis, and the recent biologic therapies, which share the common mission to hinder T cell activity in inflammatory diseases. An advantage from the preciseness of these biologic therapies is the potential limit of non-specific and potentially devastating organ toxicity, which commonly plagues other systemic therapies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alefacept
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Cell Movement / drug effects
  • Dermatologic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Etanercept
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / therapeutic use
  • Immunotherapy / methods*
  • Lymphocyte Activation / drug effects
  • Psoriasis / immunology
  • Psoriasis / therapy*
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / therapeutic use
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / therapeutic use
  • T-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Alefacept
  • Etanercept