Biologic agents in psoriasis

Michael R Lee1, Alan J Cooper

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Pacific Highway, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia. mick155@bigpond.net.au

This paper reviews the new biologic agents that selectively block the immunologic steps implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Four strategies have been targeted: reduction of the number of pathogenic T cells; inhibition of T-cell activation and migration; modulation of the immune system; and blockage of the activity of inflammatory cytokines. There are three classes: monoclonal antibodies, fusion proteins and recombinant cytokines or growth factors. The actions, efficacy and side-effect profile of the biologic agents, alefacept, efalizumab, etanercept and infliximab, are reviewed.

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