Recent developments in the use of biologics in psoriasis and autoimmune disorders. The role of autoantibodies.

Treatment of autoimmune disorders such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease with so called biologics (selective immunomodulatory drugs) has become a standard way to treat severe or recalcitrant forms of these diseases. In particular, antagonists of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) have been proved to be highly efficacious. In this review we summarise the current knowledge on problems associated with treatment with biologics, with particular emphasis on TNFinhibitors and autoantibody development. We also discuss the possible increased risk of lymphoma.