Psoriasis: targeting therapy towards the inflammatory cascade.
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin and joints that typically follows a relapsing/remitting disease course. Whereas psoriasis is primarily a T-cell-mediated disease, intrinsic alterations in epidermal keratinocytes also play an important role. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) has been identified as an important cytokine in the inflammatory cascade of psoriasis. The importance of TNFalpha is further underlined by the therapeutic efficacy of compounds that interfere with TNFalpha function, such as biological agents.
Miteva
Mariya
M
Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA. mmiteva@med.miami.edu
D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012867:Skin / Q000503:physiopathology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha