title: The use of systemic immune moderators in dermatology: an update.
abstract: In addition to corticosteroids, dermatologists have access to an array of immunomodulatory therapies. Azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, cyclosporine, and mycophenolate mofetil are the systemic immunosuppressive agents most commonly used by dermatologists. In addition, new developments in biotechnology have spurred the development of immunobiologic agents that are able to target the immunologic process of many inflammatory disorders at specific points along the inflammatory cascade. Alefacept, efalizumab, etanercept, and infliximab are the immunobiologic agents that are currently the most well known and most commonly used by dermatologists. This article reviews the pharmacology, mechanism of action, side effects, and clinical applications of these therapies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029-6574, USA.
authors.forename: Dana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kazlow Stern
authors.forename: Jackie M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Tripp
authors.forename: Vincent C
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Ho
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lebwohl
mesh_terms: D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents