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Pathak GN, Wang E, Dhillon J, Parikh PN, Esseghir R, Rao BK, Feldman SR. Spesolimab: A Review of the First IL-36 Blocker Approved for Generalized Pustular Psoriasis. Ann Pharmacother 2024:10600280241252688. [PMID: 38755971 DOI: 10.1177/10600280241252688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This article reviews clinical trial data that assesses the safety, efficacy, and clinical application of spesolimab, an interleukin-36 (IL-36) blocker, for the treatment of generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP). DATA SOURCES A review of the literature was conducted using the search terms: "spesolimab," "BI 655130," and "spevigo" in MEDLINE (PubMed) and Clinicaltrials.gov from January 1, 1950 to October 31, 2023. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION Relevant articles in English relating to the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of spesolimab were included. DATA SYNTHESIS In one phase 2 clinical trial evaluating single dose IV spesolimab for GPP flares at day 8, 54% of patients receiving spesolimab had a GPP physician global assessment (GPPGA) pustulation subscore of 0, and 43% had a GPPGA total score of 0 compared with 6% and 11% for the placebo group, respectively. Another phase 2 clinical trial assessing subcutaneous spesolimab found 23% of patients in low-dose, 29% in medium-dose, and 10% of high-dose spesolimab had flares by week 48 compared with 52% of the placebo group. Hazard ratios for time to GPP flare compared with placebo were 0.16 (P = 0.0005), 0.35 (P = 0.0057), and 0.47 (P = 0.027) for the spesolimab groups, respectively. Infection rates were similar across treatment and placebo groups, and severe adverse events such as drug reactions with eosinophilia and systemic symptom (DRESS), cholelithiasis, and breast cancer occurred with spesolimab. RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE IN COMPARISON TO EXISTING DRUGS Spesolimab is a first-in-class IL-36 monoclonal antibody receptor antagonist approved for the treatment of acute GPP flares. It is a safe and effective therapeutic agent in preventing future GPP flares, with no current comparator trials with other GPP agents. CONCLUSION Spesolimab is a safe and effective treatment for acute GPP flares in adults. Future clinical trials can establish safety and efficacy compared with other agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav N Pathak
- Department of Dermatology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Somerset, NJ, USA
- Center for Dermatology Research, Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Emily Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Somerset, NJ, USA
| | - Jimmy Dhillon
- Department of Dermatology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Somerset, NJ, USA
| | - Prachi N Parikh
- Department of Dermatology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Somerset, NJ, USA
| | - Reem Esseghir
- Department of Dermatology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Somerset, NJ, USA
| | - Babar K Rao
- Department of Dermatology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Somerset, NJ, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Rao Dermatology, Atlantic Highlands, NJ, USA
| | - Steven R Feldman
- Center for Dermatology Research, Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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2
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Sato E, Imayoshi H, Tsutsui Y, Shimizu H, Imafuku S. Mature IL-36γ Induces Stratum Corneum Exfoliation in Generalized Pustular Psoriasis by Suppressing Corneodesmosin. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:764-773.e4. [PMID: 37827276 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.09.267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Loss-of-function sequence variations in the IL36RN gene encoding IL-36 receptor antagonist cause familial generalized pustular psoriasis, which begins shortly after birth and is difficult to treat, and its effects on the epidermis are unclear. This study investigated the involvement of IL-36 receptor agonists in the epidermal formation of generalized pustular psoriasis. We found that the IL-36 receptor agonists, especially mature IL-36γ, stimulated IL-8 and pro-IL-36γ production in the epidermis while downregulating the genes encoding epidermal cornified envelope-related proteins, for example, corneodesmosin. IL-36 receptor antagonist and monoclonal anti-IL-36γ antibodies counteracted the effect of mature IL-36γ on corneodesmosin in keratinocytes in a dose-dependent manner. In the epidermis of patients with generalized pustular psoriasis with IL36RN loss-of-function sequence variations, pro-IL-36γ was overproduced in the epidermis, and corneodesmosin protein expression was markedly decreased in the region of giant subcorneal pustules (Kogoj's spongiform pustules), with high neutrophil infiltration. IL-8 induced by mature IL-36γ stimulated the infiltration of several neutrophils in the epidermis. The newly produced pro-IL-36γ is cleaved to the mature form by neutrophil proteases. This newly produced mature IL-36γ was predicted to further suppress the gene expression of corneodesmosin, leading to significant stratum corneum exfoliation and formation of the pustules. Overall, our results elucidate the mechanism underlying the formation of Kogoj's spongiform pustules in generalized pustular psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emi Sato
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Hiroko Imayoshi
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yuki Tsutsui
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroki Shimizu
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shinichi Imafuku
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
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3
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Balato A, Ambrogio F, Burlando M, Carrera CG, Chiricozzi A, Esposito M, Piaserico S, Teoli M, Gisondi P. Commentary: Unmet Needs in Generalized Pustular Psoriasis in Clinical Practice. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2024; 14:5-13. [PMID: 38048034 PMCID: PMC10828309 DOI: 10.1007/s13555-023-01073-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Balato
- Dermatology Unit, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Ambrogio
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, Unit of Dermatology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Martina Burlando
- Department of Dermatology, Dipartimento di Scienze Della Salute, DISSAL, University of Genoa, 16100, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Opsedale Policlinico San Martino, 16100, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carlo Giovanni Carrera
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Chiricozzi
- UOC of Dermatology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dermatology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Esposito
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
- UOSD General and Oncologic Dermatology, San Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Stefano Piaserico
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Miriam Teoli
- San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Gisondi
- Department of Medicine, Section of Dermatology and Venereology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
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4
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Bernardo D, Thaçi D, Torres T. Spesolimab for the Treatment of Generalized Pustular Psoriasis. Drugs 2024; 84:45-58. [PMID: 38114719 PMCID: PMC10789831 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-023-01988-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare but severe skin inflammatory disorder characterized by the eruption of widespread sterile neutrophilic pustules, often accompanied by systemic inflammation. Given its life-threatening potential, GPP requires prompt accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, but its rarity and relapsing-remitting nature pose challenges in performing large-scale randomized controlled clinical trials. Established international guidelines are currently lacking and management guidance often follows that for plaque psoriasis. However, while it can co-exist with plaque psoriasis and has traditionally been classified as a most severe form of psoriasis, GPP is now recognized as a distinct entity, with its own clinicopathological, autoinflammatory, immunologic and genetic features. Research conducted over the past decade revealed that an imbalance of interleukin (IL)-36 signaling favoring the proinflammatory activity is the central driver of the pathogenesis of GPP, thereby laying the groundwork for the development of targeted therapies for the disease. This article reviews the evidence thus far on spesolimab, a selective humanized antibody against the IL-36 receptor that was recently licensed in Europe and the United States for the treatment of GPP flares in adults. In phase II, randomized controlled clinical trials, spesolimab led to rapid and effective skin clearance in patients experiencing a GPP flare and demonstrated superiority to placebo in preventing flares for up to 48 weeks with maintenance treatment, with reassuring safety and tolerability profiles. Spesolimab is considered to be a first-in-class medication establishing itself as the standard of care for the treatment of GPP flares, thus changing the paradigm of the management of GPP to a new era of scientifically- and evidence-based targeted therapy for this distinctive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Bernardo
- Department of Dermatology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Diamant Thaçi
- Institute and Comprehensives Center for Inflammation Medicine, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Tiago Torres
- Department of Dermatology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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5
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Okorie CL, Nayudu K, Nambudiri VE. Cutaneous findings and treatments in deficiency of interleukin-36 receptor antagonist (DITRA): A review of the literature. Exp Dermatol 2024; 33:e14934. [PMID: 37726967 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Deficiency of the interleukin-36 receptor antagonist (DITRA) is a rare autoinflammatory disorder caused by mutations in the IL36RN gene. This mutation leads to a lack of functional interleukin-36 receptor antagonists (IL-36Ra), which results in an overactive immune system and chronic inflammation. Despite its rarity, numerous case series and individual reports in the literature emphasize the importance of recognizing and managing DITRA. Early identification of the cutaneous signs of DITRA is crucial for accurate diagnosis and timely administration of appropriate treatment. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the cutaneous, non-cutaneous and histopathological manifestations of DITRA, with a focus on reported treatments. The disease typically presents in early childhood, although the age of onset can vary. Patients with DITRA exhibit recurrent episodes of skin inflammation, often with a pustular or pustular psoriasis-like appearance. Additionally, non-cutaneous manifestations are common, with recurrent fevers and elevated acute-phase reactants being the most prevalent. The exact prevalence of DITRA is unknown. Some cases of loss-of-function mutations in the IL36RN gene, considered a hallmark for diagnosis, have been identified in patients with familial generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP). Biological therapies with inhibition of IL-12/23 and IL-17 are promising treatment options; paediatric patients with DITRA have shown complete response with mild relapses. New and emerging biologic therapeutics targeting the IL-36 pathway are also of interest in the management of this rare autoinflammatory disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vinod E Nambudiri
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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6
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Hawkes JE, Visvanathan S, Krueger JG. The role of the interleukin-36 axis in generalized pustular psoriasis: a review of the mechanism of action of spesolimab. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1292941. [PMID: 38077370 PMCID: PMC10703363 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1292941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare, chronic, inflammatory skin disorder characterized by recurrent flares associated with skin erythema, desquamation, and widespread superficial sterile pustules, which may be severe ("lakes of pus"). Systemic symptoms are often present, including malaise, fever, and skin pain. In GPP, innate immune responses are driven by abnormal activation of the interleukin (IL)-36-chemokine-neutrophil axis and excessive neutrophil infiltration. This review highlights the IL-36 pathway in the context of the IL-1 superfamily and describes how unopposed IL-36 signaling can lead to the development of GPP. Targeted inhibition of the IL-36 receptor (IL-36R) is an attractive therapeutic strategy in the treatment of GPP, including flare prevention and sustained disease control. Spesolimab is a first-in-class, humanized, monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to the IL-36R and antagonizes IL-36 signaling. Spesolimab was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in September 2022 to treat GPP flares in adults and was subsequently approved for GPP flare treatment in other countries across the world. Anti-IL-36R therapy, such as spesolimab, can mitigate flares and address flare prevention in GPP, presumably through rebalancing IL-36 signaling and modulating the pro-inflammatory response of the downstream effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason E. Hawkes
- Integrative Skin Science and Research and Pacific Skin Institute, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Sudha Visvanathan
- Translational Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, CT, United States
| | - James G. Krueger
- Laboratory for Investigative Dermatology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
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7
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Hsieh CY, Huang YW, Huang YH, Tsai TF. Deficiency of interleukin-36 receptor antagonist (DITRA): An analysis of 58 Chinese patients in a tertiary hospital in Taiwan. Exp Dermatol 2023; 32:1272-1278. [PMID: 36843341 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
DITRA, acronym for deficiency of interleukin-36 receptor antagonist (IL36RN), leads to unopposed pro-inflammatory signalling which typically manifests as pustular psoriasis. In Asian patients, c.115 + 6 T > C mutation is the most common and important single-nucleotide variant in DITRA. We present the largest case series consisting of 58 DITRA patients carrying heterozygous or homozygous c.115 + 6 T > C mutation. The mean age of onset (±SD) was 20.74 (±20.86), and the median age of onset was 13 years old. Twelve patients (20.7%) had disease onset before the age of two. Twenty-two patients (37.9%) had disease onset between the ages of 2-18. Main clinical phenotype was generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) with systemic symptoms (33 patients, 56.9%), followed by acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau (ACH) (16 patients, 27.6%). Nearly half of our patients (27 patients, 46.6%) ever had ACH, and only three of them are free of ACH currently, which indicates that the development of ACH is relatively persistent and irreversible. Thirty-four patients (58.6%) had recurrent GPP and 29 patients (50%) have been admitted due to GPP flare. Compared to those with heterozygous (C/T) mutation, more patients carrying homozygous mutation (C/C) have recurrent episodes of GPP (C/T vs. C/C: 25.53 vs. 76.47%, p = 0.0367). Two patients with squamous cell carcinomas arising from the pustular psoriasis skin lesions were noted. Two patients had elevated serum IgG4 levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Yu Hsieh
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Department of Dermatology, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wei Huang
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Department of Dermatology, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsuan Huang
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Department of Dermatology, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsen-Fang Tsai
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Department of Dermatology, Taipei, Taiwan
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8
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Yang SF, Lin MH, Chou PC, Hu SK, Shih SY, Yu HS, Yu S. Genetics of Generalized Pustular Psoriasis: Current Understanding and Implications for Future Therapeutics. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1297. [PMID: 37372477 DOI: 10.3390/genes14061297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by the appearance of clearly demarcated erythematous and scaly plaques. It can be divided into various types, including plaque, nail, guttate, inverse, and pustular psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis is the most commonly occurring type, though there is another rare but severe pustular autoinflammatory skin disease called generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP), which manifests with acute episodes of pustulation and systemic symptoms. Though the etiopathogenesis of psoriasis is not yet fully understood, a growing body of literature has demonstrated that both genetic and environmental factors play a role. The discovery of genetic mutations associated with GPP has shed light on our comprehension of the mechanisms of the disease, promoting the development of targeted therapies. This review will summarize genetic determinants as known and provide an update on the current and potential treatments for GPP. The pathogenesis and clinical presentation of the disease are also included for a comprehensive discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syuan-Fei Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Min-Huei Lin
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chen Chou
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Kai Hu
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Sin-Yi Shih
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Su Yu
- Department of Dermatology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Sebastian Yu
- Department of Dermatology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Neuroscience Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
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9
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Tsuji G, Yamamura K, Kawamura K, Kido-Nakahara M, Ito T, Nakahara T. Novel Therapeutic Targets for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051303. [PMID: 37238974 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that significantly impacts quality of life. The pathogenesis of AD is a complex combination of skin barrier dysfunction, type II immune response, and pruritus. Progress in the understanding of the immunological mechanisms of AD has led to the recognition of multiple novel therapeutic targets. For systemic therapy, new biologic agents that target IL-13, IL-22, IL-33, the IL-23/IL-17 axis, and OX40-OX40L are being developed. Binding of type II cytokines to their receptors activates Janus kinase (JAK) and its downstream signal, namely signal transduction and activator of transcription (STAT). JAK inhibitors block the activation of the JAK-STAT pathway, thereby blocking the signaling pathways mediated by type II cytokines. In addition to oral JAK inhibitors, histamine H4 receptor antagonists are under investigation as small-molecule compounds. For topical therapy, JAK inhibitors, aryl hydrocarbon receptor modulators, and phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors are being approved. Microbiome modulation is also being examined for the treatment of AD. This review outlines current and future directions for novel therapies of AD that are currently being investigated in clinical trials, focusing on their mechanisms of action and efficacy. This supports the accumulation of data on advanced treatments for AD in the new era of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaku Tsuji
- Research and Clinical Center for Yusho and Dioxin, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Yamamura
- Research and Clinical Center for Yusho and Dioxin, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Koji Kawamura
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Makiko Kido-Nakahara
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takamichi Ito
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nakahara
- Research and Clinical Center for Yusho and Dioxin, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
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Generalized Pustular Psoriasis: A Review on Clinical Characteristics, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2023; 13:673-688. [PMID: 36635445 PMCID: PMC9836924 DOI: 10.1007/s13555-022-00881-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare, chronic, and severe inflammatory skin disorder characterized by sudden eruption of sterile pustules, often accompanied by systemic inflammation. GPP flares can be life-threatening if untreated, owing to potential serious complications such as sepsis and cardiovascular failure. Diagnosis and clinical measurement of disease severity in GPP are often difficult. Lack of standardized criteria in the international guidelines and the heterogeneity of cutaneous and extracutaneous symptoms make the diagnosis of GPP difficult. Clinical criteria for description and diagnosis of pustular conditions, including GPP, are variable and there is no specific agreement on commonly sustained concepts. Differentiation of GPP from other similar conditions/diseases is important and requires careful assessments. The evidence that supports current topical or systemic therapies is largely based on case reports and small studies. Some biologic agents that target key cytokines involved in the activation of inflammatory pathways have been used as treatments for GPP. Recently, spesolimab, an IL-36R antagonist, has been approved in the USA and Japan for the treatment of GPP flares in adults, but there are no currently approved treatments for GPP in Europe. The IL-36 pathway has recently emerged as a central axis driving the pathogenic inflammatory mechanisms of GPP. Biologic agents that inhibit the IL-36 pathway have shown efficacy and safety in patients with GPP, addressing a generally considered unmet medical need.
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