Biology of tumor necrosis factor-alpha- implications for psoriasis.

Numerous recent investigations have pointed to a key role of the proinflammatory, pleiotropic cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in host defense and inflammatory processes. TNF overexpression has been found in lesional skin and in the circulation of psoriatic patients, and it was suggested that TNF-alpha is crucial in this and other immune diseases. Several approaches to inhibit TNF-alpha activity have been developed.