Final answer:
Biologics used to treat psoriasis target specific immune system components to reduce inflammation and slow down skin cell production. Infliximab and Adalimumab inhibit TNF-alpha; Ustekinumab inhibits IL-12 and IL-23; Secukinumab inhibits IL-17A.
Step-by-step explanation:
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by rapid skin cell turnover, leading to thick and inflamed patches. To manage this condition, biologics have become a significant part of treatment, targeting specific components of the immune system. Four commonly used biologics and their actions are:
Infliximab - This medication inhibits tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a cytokine that plays a role in systemic inflammation, thus helping to reduce psoriatic skin lesions and joint inflammation.
Adalimumab - Similar to infliximab, adalimumab also targets TNF-alpha, thereby decreasing the inflammatory response associated with psoriasis.
Ustekinumab - This biologic inhibits interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-23 (IL-23), cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, leading to improvement in the symptoms.
Secukinumab - It inhibits interleukin-17A (IL-17A), a cytokine that plays a crucial role in the inflammation and development of psoriatic plaques.
These biologics are part of a larger strategy to reduce inflammation and modify the immune response to slow down the excessive production of skin cells.