title: Efalizumab: a biological agent for the treatment of psoriasis.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Mount Sinai School of Medicine (NYU), One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1048, New York, N.Y. 10029, USA. Sarah.hodulik@mssm.edu
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hodulik
authors.forename: Suhail
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hadi
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D007155:Immunologic Factors; C472181:efalizumab