Efalizumab

Pronunciation

Definition 1

A monoclonal antibody used to treat psoriasis (a chronic skin disease). It is also being studied in the treatment of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) of the skin after a donor stem cell transplant. Efalizumab binds to a molecule called LFA-1, and blocks the action of T cells (a type of white blood cell). It is a type of immunosuppressant. Also called Raptiva. (NCI Dictionary)

Definition 2

A humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody directed against CD11a, the alpha subunit of human leukocyte-function-associated antigen type 1 (LFA-1), with immunosuppressant activity. Efalizumab binds to CD11a, which is expressed on all leukocytes, resulting in a reduction in the cell surface expression of CD11a. In addition, this agent inhibits the binding of LFA-1 to intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), resulting in the inhibition of leukocyte adherence and the suppression of cell-mediated immunity. LFA-1 binding to ICAM-1 is involved in the activation of T lymphocytes, adhesion of T lymphocytes to endothelial cells, and migration of T lymphocytes to sites of inflammation. (NCI Thesaurus)

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