Psoriasis Treatment
Although our understanding of the immunological basis of psoriasis had expanded greatly by the turn of the Millennium, many details still remain unknown. Understanding of the role of immunology in psoriasis, together with the knowledge of protein engineering techniques, has given us the capability to manufacture specific proteins that can selectively alter the immunological processes in psoriasis. These therapies continue to improve the treatment psoriasis and shed further light into its pathogenesis.
Beginning in January of 2003, a number of biologic agents were approved by the FDA for the treatment psoriasis including alefacept, efalizumab, etanercept and infliximab. Alefacept binds to CD2 to prevent the activation of T lymphocytes in psoriasis , while efalizumab, binds to CD11 to inhibit T cell activation and migration into the skin . Both of these therapies strengthened the understanding of the role of T lymphocytes in psoriasis. Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors also demonstrated efficacy in the treatment psoriasis. The efficacy and mechanism of etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab suggest that psoriasis pathophysiology also involves immunologic mediators in addition to T cells. Discovery of these biologic therapies opens the door of our understanding of psoriasis. The quest for developing additional biologics for the treatment psoriasis and other immune-mediated diseases continues, and it will be the role of clinicians to measure the potential advantages of each therapy for individual patients.
Our understanding of psoriasis and ability to treat this disease has evolved tremendously in the past few decades. We not only recognize psoriasis as distinct from leprosy and other inflammatory disorders, but are beginning to more fully understand its pathophysiology. More importantly, our ability to treat patients and improve their quality of life has progressed. Although we initially stumbled upon treatments by chance, we are now developing targeted therapies. These innovative therapeutics not only improve patient symptoms, but also help elucidate the pathophysiology of psoriasis and other immune-mediated diseases. The rich history of our understanding of psoriasis and its treatment serves as inspiration for continued discovery about psoriasis and its therapy.
Psoriasis Treatment
Although our understanding of the immunological basis of psoriasis had expanded greatly by the turn of the Millennium, many details still remain unknown. Understanding of the role of immunology in psoriasis, together with the knowledge of protein engineering techniques, has given us the capability to manufacture specific proteins that can selectively alter the immunological processes in psoriasis. These therapies continue to improve the treatment psoriasis and shed further light into its pathogenesis.
Beginning in January of 2003, a number of biologic agents were approved by the FDA for the treatment psoriasis including alefacept, efalizumab, etanercept and infliximab. Alefacept binds to CD2 to prevent the activation of T lymphocytes in psoriasis , while efalizumab, binds to CD11 to inhibit T cell activation and migration into the skin . Both of these therapies strengthened the understanding of the role of T lymphocytes in psoriasis. Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors also demonstrated efficacy in the treatment psoriasis. The efficacy and mechanism of etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab suggest that psoriasis pathophysiology also involves immunologic mediators in addition to T cells. Discovery of these biologic therapies opens the door of our understanding of psoriasis. The quest for developing additional biologics for the treatment psoriasis and other immune-mediated diseases continues, and it will be the role of clinicians to measure the potential advantages of each therapy for individual patients.
Our understanding of psoriasis and ability to treat this disease has evolved tremendously in the past few decades. We not only recognize psoriasis as distinct from leprosy and other inflammatory disorders, but are beginning to more fully understand its pathophysiology. More importantly, our ability to treat patients and improve their quality of life has progressed. Although we initially stumbled upon treatments by chance, we are now developing targeted therapies. These innovative therapeutics not only improve patient symptoms, but also help elucidate the pathophysiology of psoriasis and other immune-mediated diseases. The rich history of our understanding of psoriasis and its treatment serves as inspiration for continued discovery about psoriasis and its therapy.
Psoriasis Treatment
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment