The biological and clinical importance of the 'new generation' cytokines in rheumatic diseases

Gabay, C. and McInnes, I. B. (2009) The biological and clinical importance of the 'new generation' cytokines in rheumatic diseases. Arthritis Research and Therapy, 11(3), (doi: 10.1186/ar2680) (PMID:19519923)

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Abstract

A better understanding of cytokine biology over the last two decades has allowed the successful development of cytokine inhibitors against tumour necrosis factor and interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6. The introduction of these therapies should be considered a breakthrough in the management of several rheumatic diseases. However, many patients will exhibit no or only partial response to these therapies, thus emphasising the importance of exploring other therapeutic strategies. In this article, we review the most recent information on novel cytokines that are often members of previously described cytokine families such as the IL-1 superfamily (IL-18 and IL-33), the IL-12 superfamily (IL-27 and IL-35), the IL-2 superfamily (IL-15 and IL-21), and IL-17. Several data derived from experimental models and clinical samples indicate that some of these cytokines contribute to the pathophysiology of arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Targeting of some of these cytokines has already been tested in clinical trials with interesting results.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:McInnes, Professor Iain
Authors: Gabay, C., and McInnes, I. B.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:Arthritis Research and Therapy
Publisher:BioMed Central
ISSN:1478-6354
ISSN (Online):1478-6362
Published Online:19 May 2009

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