Distribution of Cytokines and Their Receptors Targeted by Biologics in the Treatment of Psoriasis

Biologic therapies have revolutionized the management of psoriasis. These agents are often assumed to share similar risk profiles despite targeting distinct cytokines with diverse mechanisms of action. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of cytokines and their receptors targeted by current biologic therapies in order to identify tissues potentially subject to immunomodulation and to better understand potential targets of the biologics. Using publicly available RNA and protein expression databases, we analyzed expression patterns of TNF-α, IL-12, IL-23, IL-17, and their corresponding receptors. Expression profiles varied considerably in both RNA levels and tissue distribution. Some correlations were observed between cytokine expression sites and the adverse event profiles of biologics. Further research is required to validate these associations and to clarify the tissue-specific effects of cytokine-targeted therapies in psoriasis.