Cytokines, antibodies to cytokines and autoimmunity

It is commonly accepted that cytokines play a major role in the generation of immune responses to various stimuli, whether to exogenous antigens or to autoimmune events. This process must be regulated via complex mechanisms that maintain the normal immune homeostasis. Anti-cytokine antibodies (ACAs) are one of the components that take part in confining immune responses. Manipulating autoimmunity by the administration of ACAs might provide an opportunity to correct an altered regulatory mechanism and to maintain health. The current review will focus on the different ways these objectives might be achieved.