Immunobiologics in the treatment of psoriasis

Benjamin F. Chong, Henry K. Wong

Research output: Contribution to journalShort surveypeer-review

42 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)129-138
Number of pages10
JournalClinical Immunology
Volume123
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2007

Keywords

  • Biologics
  • Inflammation
  • Psoriasis
  • Skin disease
  • T cell
  • TNF-alpha

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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