Abatacept: A review of a new biologic agent for refractory rheumatoid arthritis for dermatologists.

Article Details

Citation

Scheinfeld N

Abatacept: A review of a new biologic agent for refractory rheumatoid arthritis for dermatologists.

J Dermatolog Treat. 2006;17(4):229-34.

PubMed ID
16971318 [ View in PubMed
]
Abstract

Abatacept is a newly approved treatment for rheumatoid arthritis refractory to other agents. Abatacept is a fusion protein of the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen (CTLA) molecule and immunoglobulin (Ig) G1 that blocks CD28. Specifically, abatacept blocks the CD80 and CD86 ligands on the surface of antigen-presenting cells that must interface with the T-cell's CD28 receptor to activate T cells. Abatacept seems to be more immunosuppressive than tumor necrosis factor alpha blockers. The combination of abatacept and a tumor necrosis factor alpha blocking agent does not seem more effective than either agent alone. Because abatacept has the ability to suppress T-cell function, it has the potential to be a treatment for psoriasis and other autoimmune conditions involving pathologic processes driven by T cells.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drugs
Drug Targets
DrugTargetKindOrganismPharmacological ActionActions
AbataceptT-lymphocyte activation antigen CD80ProteinHumans
Yes
Antagonist
Details
AbataceptT-lymphocyte activation antigen CD86ProteinHumans
Yes
Antagonist
Details