Infections Related to Biologics, An Issue of Infectious Disease Clinics of North America

In collaboration with Consulting Editor Dr. Helen Boucher, Drs. Aruna Subramanian and Dora Yuk-Wai Ho have created an�extremely timely and relevant issue�for infectious disease physcians, as the field of biologics is exploding. These new agents are being used in rheumatologic diseases, hematologic malignancies, solid tumors, and other conditions;�there is a lack of guidance in the literature on how to address their infectious risks. �The first 9�articles explain the mechanisms of action of the biologic agents and the infectious disease risks associated with their immune system targets. �The last few articles�go into more depth on the viral, fungal, and mycobacterial infections that are potentiated by biologics, and discuss recommended prophylaxis and preventative strategies, including vaccinations.�Specifically, articles are devoted to the following:�TNF inhibitors; Agents targeting B cells; Agents targeting T cell activation; Direct T cell inhibition and agents targeting T cell migration and chemotaxis; IL-1 and IL-6 and other interleukin and IgE inhibition; Check-point inhibitors; Tyrosine kinase inhibitors for heme malignancies; EGFR inhibitors and other Tyrosine kinase inhibitors for solid tumors; Targeting JAK-STAT signaling and complement pathway for inflammatory diseases; Viral infections Potentiated by Biologics (and Prophylaxis); Endemic Fungal Infections Potentiated by Biologics (and prophylaxis); Mycobacterial Infections Potentiated by Biologics; and Vaccinations for patients on biologics. Readers will come away with the clinical overviews of these topics to improve prevention and management of patients treated with biologics.