Alefacept

Alefacept is a genetically engineered immunosuppressive drug sold under the brand name Amevive in Canada, the United States, Israel, Switzerland and Australia. It is used to control inflammation in moderate to severe psoriasis with plaque formation, where it interferes with lymphocyte activation. It is also being studied in the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Alefacept is a fusion protein: it combines part ... more

Alefacept is a genetically engineered immunosuppressive drug sold under the brand name Amevive in Canada, the United States, Israel, Switzerland and Australia. It is used to control inflammation in moderate to severe psoriasis with plaque formation, where it interferes with lymphocyte activation. It is also being studied in the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Alefacept is a fusion protein: it combines part of an antibody with a protein that blocks the growth of some types of T cells. The exact mode of action is very complicated and involves dual mechanisms, one of which inhibits the activation of CD4 and CD8 T cells by interfering with CD2 on the T cell membrane thereby blocking the costimulatory molecule LFA-3/CD2 interaction. The second mechanism is inducing apoptosis of memory-effector T lymphocytes. If the T cells were to become activated they would stimulate proliferation of keratinocytes resulting in the typical psoriatic symptoms.... less