Experimental TNF-α findings are being translated into humans. In a novel immunomodulatory treatment study, 618 subjects with moderate-to-severe psoriasis were randomized to the anti-TNF-α antibody etanercept or placebo. Etanercept decreased standard clinical depression scores by ~50% – independent of dermatological and/or musculoskeletal improvement (Tyring et al. 2006). Although a recent placebo-controlled trial of infliximab (another TNF-α neutralizing antibody) revealed a lack of global efficacy in treatment-resistant MDD, an antidepressant response was observed in individuals with a baseline C-reactive protein >5 mg/L (Raison et al. 2012).
