TNF-blocking therapies: an alternative mode of action?

Choo-Kang, B., Hutchison, S., Nickdel, M., Bundick, R., Leishman, A., Brewer, J., McInnes, I. and Garside, P. (2005) TNF-blocking therapies: an alternative mode of action? Trends in Immunology, 26, pp. 518-522. (doi: 10.1016/j.it.2005.07.007) (PMID:16087401)

Abstract

Despite expanding use of drugs blocking tumour necrosis factor (TNF), their precise mechanisms of action remain unclear. Early assumptions that they act by direct neutralization of the toxic inflammatory effects of TNF might be too simplistic because they explain neither the range of effects observed nor the varying properties of different TNF-blocking agents. Recent studies have demonstrated a key role for mast cell-derived TNF in the increase in lymph node size and the organizational complexity that accompanies a developing immune response. Regulation of this phenomenon might comprise a novel mode of action for TNF-directed therapy: by preventing this lymph node hyperplasia, TNF blockade could modulate immune responses, ameliorating pathology in autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McInnes, Professor Iain and Garside, Professor Paul and Brewer, Professor James
• Authors: Choo-Kang, B., Hutchison, S., Nickdel, M., Bundick, R., Leishman, A., Brewer, J., McInnes, I., and Garside, P.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Trends in Immunology