Dermatology — Hidradenitis Suppurativa

A 28-year-old woman presents with a 4-year history of recurrent, exquisitely painful nodules and abscesses in the axillae and inframammary folds that have progressed to form interconnected sinus tracts and rope-like scars. She reports significant impairment of quality of life and work capacity. The condition shown at **A** in the diagram is being evaluated for biologic therapy. Which of the following best explains the primary pathogenic mechanism underlying the lesions in this condition?