[Psoriasis therapy with biologicals].

"Biologicals" represent a new group of compounds which are produced by using methods of biotechnology. They mainly include monoclonal antibodies, fusion proteins and recombinant proteins. The development of biologicals is based on the knowledge derived from pathogenetic studies in psoriasis which have focussed on targeting cell- or mediator-systems relevant for the disease. In this regard, the inactivation of soluble mediators such as tumor-necrosis-factor alpha, the blockade of receptors for cytokines such as interleukin 2, and the interference with T cell activation by antigen presenting cells are all of increasing importance. Recombinant cytokines such as interleukins 4 or 10 are able to modulate the immunological balance. Blockade of adhesion molecules to prevent extravasation of inflammatory cells is a new strategy under development. This article reviews about the current knowledge of psoriasis therapy with biologicals.