Targeted therapy for immune mediated skin diseases. What should a dermatologist know?

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Molecularly targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and Janus Kinase inhibitors (JAKis), are crucial for treating dermatological conditions.
• These therapies modulate immune system signaling pathways, serving as effective alternatives to conventional systemic immunosuppressants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated summary of targeted immune therapies for inflammatory skin diseases.
• To review their pathophysiology, efficacy, dosage, and safety profiles.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search adhering to PRISMA guidelines on PubMed (last 10 years).
• Inclusion of randomized clinical trials, case reports, and case series.
• Data extraction on study design and results from eligible studies.

Main Results:

• Analysis of 143 studies published between 2012 and 2022.
• Identification of 39 drugs for inflammatory skin diseases, either in use or under investigation.
• Initial search yielded 1360 articles, with 143 meeting inclusion criteria after review.

Conclusions:

• Targeted therapies have transformed chronic skin disease management, providing options for non-responsive patients.
• While generally safe with rare paradoxical reactions, further research is needed to fully elucidate mechanisms.
• These therapies significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals with chronic inflammatory skin conditions.