Etanercept does not have an apoptosis-inducing effect on psoriatic keratinocytes.

Background: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha is the key inflammatory cytokine in psoriasis vulgaris triggering abnormal differentiation and proliferation of keratinocytes. Etanercept as an antitumor necrosis factor-alpha agent is widely used for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris.

Objectives: To find out whether etanercept has an apoptotic effect on psoriatic keratinocytes.