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Abstract

In the past, the treatment for psoriasis included steroid and non-steroid topicals, systemic agents and phototherapy. The bio-logics are a new class of drugs that attack the immune cells and cytokines to inhibit the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Alefacept (Amevive) inhibits the interaction between CD45 RO₊ T cells and Antigen Presenting Cells (APCs) and also induces apoptosis of the CD45 RO₊ T cells. Efalizumab (Raptiva) inhibits the interaction between CD45 RO₊ T cells and APC and it prevents CD45 RO₊ T cells from migrating across the blood vessel wall. Etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade) and adalimumab (Humira) inhibit TNF-α and prevent the inflammatory cascade that is responsible for the pathogenesis of psoriasis. These new medications will offer new hope for the treatment of psoriasis.

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Mechanism of Action of the Biologics for Treatment of Psoriasis

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