Research progress in mechanism of psoriasis caused by tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) plays an important role in inflammatory responses and immune system diseases. TNF-α inhibitors, including etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab, have become the effective therapies of some diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, glomerular disease, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel diseases. With the popularization of their clinical applications, there are more and more reports of new-onset or aggravated psoriasis caused by TNF-α inhibitors. This kind of adverse reactions may be related to cytokine imbalance among TNF-α, interleukins, and interferon etc., as well as to the genetic susceptibility. Types of TNF-α inhibitors and the blood concentration may also have contributions to the development of psoriasis. Key words: Tumor necrosis factors; Psoriasis; Drug-related side effects and adverse reactions