Efalizumab: a biological agent for the treatment of psoriasis.
Efalizumab is a humanized, monoclonal IgG1 antibody that binds to the alpha-subunit of lymphocyte function associated antigen (LFA)-1, blocking the interaction between LFA-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1. The result is a reduction in T cell activation, an inhibition of the trafficking and recruitment of T cells to the dermis and epidermis, and a decrease in the reactivation of T cells at several steps in the psoriasis pathogenesis. The clinical responses seen in efalizumab trials have demonstrated that this medication is efficacious, especially in long-term treatment. Adverse events observed in efalizumab-treated patients have been minor. Psoriasis rebound following discontinuation of treatment, while serious, has been controlled through transition to other therapies. Subcutaneous injection allows for administration outside the clinic.
Hodulik
Sarah
S
Mount Sinai School of Medicine (NYU), One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1048, New York, N.Y. 10029, USA. Sarah.hodulik@mssm.edu
Hadi
Suhail
S
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D007155:Immunologic Factors; C472181:efalizumab