Abstract
Since the 1980s, when the crucial role of T-lymphocytes in pathogenesis of psoriasis was discovered, various immunosuppressants have been tested in therapy. With advances in psoriasis research, attention has begun to focus on molecules that are part of the pro-inflammatory signaling cascades.
The first such investigated molecule was tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), the pro-inflammatory cytokine of Th1 signaling. Another major shift was the discovery of Th17 signaling, with the irreplaceable role of interleukins 17 and 23.
Evolution of the knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of psoriasis was also reflected by the development of therapy. The first breakthrough occurred during the 1990s, when clinical trials demonstrated superior efficacy of TNFα inhibitors over all previously used immunosuppressants.
With the discovery of Th17 signaling, allowing even more specific therapy targeting, the number of biologic therapies has doubled since 2015. Due to the ongoing trend, this article gives an overview of all currently available formulations.