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Immunomodulation in dermatology: lessons learned in the treatment of psoriasis

Ernest N Charlesworth1

  • 1Department of Allergy and Dermatology, Shannon Clinic, San Angelo, Texas, USA. echarlesworth@shannonhealth.org

Allergy and Asthma Proceedings
|May 27, 2006
PubMed

With the widespread recognition that T-cells are the key mediators of psoriasis, current treatment strategies have focused on reducing the population of these cells or modulating their activity through the use of immunosuppressive treatments such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, and psoralens plus ultraviolet A radiation. Now, a greater understanding of the immunologic basis of psoriasis based on scientific advances are enabling the development of rationally designed, biologic agents that selectively target specific elements in the immune system that are directly involved in the pathophysiology of psoriasis. This review discusses several basic strategies for biologic therapies for psoriasis and concludes that the allergist/immunologist is eminently qualified to treat this immune skin disorder.

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