HOMEPRODUCTSCOMPANYCONTACTFAQResearchDictionaryPharmaSign Up FREE or Login

Efalizumab, a reversible T-cell modulator for psoriasis.

Abstract
The humanized monoclonal antibody (MAb) efalizumab (Raptiva) was developed to meet a longstanding need for specific, safe, and effective anti-psoriatic treatments. Efalizumab, which is directed at the lymphocyte surface protein LFA-1, prevents multiple interactions between T cells and other cell types. Here, we review the inflammatory pathway that drives the development of psoriasis, and we discuss several mechanisms by which efalizumab suppresses skin inflammation in psoriasis. Efalizumab reversibly increases circulating T-cell counts, as T cells--including pathogenic CD8 memory T cells that are prominent in psoriatic lesions-- are specifically restrained from leaving the bloodstream and entering the skin. Within two weeks of the onset of efalizumab treatment, cell surface and intracellular LFA-1 pools are substantially cleared by lysosomal degradation. Residual surface LFA-1 molecules remain saturated with bound efalizumab for some weeks following cessation of treatment. Efalizumab's pharmacodynamic properties are consistent with its profound and reversible beneficial effects on the histopathology of psoriatic skin.
AuthorsNeil H Shear, Richard G Langley, Vincent Ho
JournalJournal of cutaneous medicine and surgery (J Cutan Med Surg) Vol. 9 Suppl 1 Pg. 4-9 ( 2006) ISSN: 1203-4754 [Print] United States
PMID16633862 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)
Chemical References
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • CD11 Antigens
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Lymphocyte Function-Associated Antigen-1
  • efalizumab
Topics
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal (pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • CD11 Antigens (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors (pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Lymphocyte Activation (drug effects)
  • Lymphocyte Function-Associated Antigen-1 (drug effects)
  • Psoriasis (drug therapy, pathology, physiopathology)
  • T-Lymphocytes (drug effects, physiology)

Join CureHunter, for free Research Interface BASIC access!

Take advantage of free CureHunter research engine access to explore the best drug and treatment options for any disease. Find out why thousands of doctors, pharma researchers and patient activists around the world use CureHunter every day.
Realize the full power of the drug-disease research graph!


Choose Username:
Email:
Password:
Verify Password:
Enter Code Shown: