How biologics work
Biologics are designed to treat psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis by targeting or "going after" overactive immune cells in the body. Some biologics target a type of immune cell called a T cell, while others target the chemical messengers released by activated T cells.
T cells are the so-called "generals" of the immune system because they normally recognize bacteria and viruses and coordinate the immune response to eliminate these foreign invaders. In psoriasis, however, certain T cells are mistakenly activated and migrate to the skin. Once in the skin, they begin to act as if they are fighting an infection or healing a wound, which sets off a chain of events that leads to the rapid growth of skin cells, causing lesions to form. Certain biologic medications treat psoriasis by preventing the activation and/or migration of T cells; by reducing the number of psoriasis-involved T cells in the body; or both.
Under normal conditions, TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor-alpha) helps fight infections and communicates messages between cells. In people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, TNF-alpha is produced in excess amounts by activated T cells. The messages communicated by TNF-alpha can lead to the rapid growth of skin cells found in psoriasis, or to the joint pain, stiffness and other symptoms associated with psoriatic arthritis. Several biologic medications work by binding to TNF-alpha and preventing it from communicating with cells.
Updated Nov. 2006
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