Biologic Therapy for Psoriasis: A Brief History, I

This article, the first in a 2-part series, reviews the treatment of psoriasis with biologic therapy. Although extensive research in this venue of treatment is currently being conducted, we review some of the pioneering clinical trials dealing with immunotherapy, including the use of peptide T, anti-CD4 antibody (OKTcdr4a and hIgG1-CD4), and anti-Tac. For each of these therapies, an extensive summation is given of the research, taking note of the investigators' procedural course, results, and side effects seen. Through the results of these studies, a foundation was laid for the further exploration of the use of biologic therapy to combat psoriasis.