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13:01
Anti-Nuclear Antibody Screening Using HEp-2 Cells
Published on: June 23, 2014
Antibody therapy for rheumatoid arthritis
1The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology Division, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, 1 Aspenlea Road, London W6 8LH, UK. peter.c.taylor@ic.ac.uk
Current Opinion in Pharmacology
|June 18, 2003
Summary
High-quality monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting disease molecules are abundant. Therapies like anti-tumour necrosis factor-alpha show promise for rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions, though long-term disease modification is still under investigation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- High-quality monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are now readily available.
- Anti-tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) therapies have improved rheumatoid arthritis symptom control.
- TNF blockade may prevent joint damage in inflammatory diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape and potential of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies in treating various diseases.
- To highlight emerging antibody targets beyond TNF-α, including interleukins and cell surface antigens.
- To discuss the preliminary clinical evidence for novel biological agents and their potential disease-modifying capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on monoclonal antibody therapies.
- Analysis of clinical data for anti-TNF-α therapies in rheumatoid arthritis.
- Examination of preliminary evidence for other therapeutic antibodies targeting cytokines and cell antigens.
Main Results:
- Anti-TNF-α therapies are effective for symptom control in rheumatoid arthritis and may offer joint protection.
- Other therapeutic targets include interleukins (IL-1, IL-6, IL-15, IL-17, IL-18) and T/B cell antigens (CD4, CD20).
- Preliminary data exists for agents like keliximab (anti-CD4), rituximab (anti-CD20), and CTLA4-Ig, but Phase III studies are pending.
Conclusions:
- Monoclonal antibody production is advanced, offering numerous therapeutic possibilities.
- While current antibody therapies show efficacy, their true disease-modifying potential requires further investigation through Phase III trials.
- The field is rapidly evolving with new targets and agents, promising future advancements in treating autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
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