Which biologic agent targets interleukin-12 and interleukin-23 for Crohn's disease?

Prepare for the HESI Inflammatory Bowel Disease Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Set yourself up for success!

Multiple Choice

Which biologic agent targets interleukin-12 and interleukin-23 for Crohn's disease?

Explanation:
Biologic therapies in Crohn’s disease can target specific inflammatory signals. IL-12 and IL-23 are key cytokines that drive inflammatory T cell responses (Th1/Th17) in the gut. A drug that blocks the shared p40 subunit of these two cytokines prevents their signaling, dampening the inflammatory cascade. This is exactly what ustekinumab does: it’s a monoclonal antibody against the p40 subunit, thereby inhibiting both IL-12 and IL-23 and reducing Crohn’s-related inflammation. Other biologics work through different mechanisms. Vedolizumab blocks gut-tropic lymphocyte trafficking by targeting α4β7 integrin, not cytokine signaling. Infliximab and adalimumab neutralize TNF-α, which is a separate inflammatory pathway.

Biologic therapies in Crohn’s disease can target specific inflammatory signals. IL-12 and IL-23 are key cytokines that drive inflammatory T cell responses (Th1/Th17) in the gut. A drug that blocks the shared p40 subunit of these two cytokines prevents their signaling, dampening the inflammatory cascade.

This is exactly what ustekinumab does: it’s a monoclonal antibody against the p40 subunit, thereby inhibiting both IL-12 and IL-23 and reducing Crohn’s-related inflammation.

Other biologics work through different mechanisms. Vedolizumab blocks gut-tropic lymphocyte trafficking by targeting α4β7 integrin, not cytokine signaling. Infliximab and adalimumab neutralize TNF-α, which is a separate inflammatory pathway.

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