New small molecules in dermatology: for the autoimmunity, inflammation and beyond

Objective and designThe discovery of new inflammatory pathways and the mechanism of action of inflammatory, autoimmune, genetic, and neoplastic diseases led to the development of immunologically driven drugs. We aimed to perform a narrative review regarding the rising of a new class of drugs capable of blocking important and specific intracellular signals in the maintenance of these pathologies: the small molecules.Materials/methodsA total of 114 scientific papers were enrolled in this narrative review.ResultsWe describe in detail the families of protein kinases-Janus Kinase (JAK), Src kinase, Syk tyrosine kinase, Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK), and Bruton Tyrosine Kinase (BTK)-their physiologic function and new drugs that block these pathways of intracellular signaling. We also detail the involved cytokines and the main metabolic and clinical implications of these new medications in the field of dermatology.ConclusionsDespite having lower specificity compared to specific immunobiological therapies, these new drugs are effective in a wide variety of dermatological diseases, especially diseases that had few therapeutic options, such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata, and vitiligo.

Automated summary

This article provides an overview of a new class of drugs that can block important intracellular signaling pathways, thereby treating inflammatory, autoimmune, genetic, and neoplastic diseases. These drugs have significant implications for the treatment of dermatological diseases.