Etanercept is a biologic agent that functions by inhibiting which target?

• A. Interleukin-1
• B. TNF-α
• C. Interleukin-6
• D. PD-1

Answer: (B)

Etanercept acts as a decoy receptor for TNF-α. It’s a fusion protein that combines the TNF receptor with an IgG1 Fc portion, so it binds TNF-α circulating in the body and prevents it from activating its cell-surface receptors. By neutralizing TNF-α, it dampens the inflammatory signaling that drives many autoimmune diseases. This is different from agents that target other inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin-1 or interleukin-6, or immune checkpoints like PD-1. So the target inhibited by etanercept is TNF-α.