Targeting cellular adhesion molecules, chemokines and chemokine receptors in rheumatoid arthritis

Jasper J Haringman1, Roos L Oostendorp, Paul P Tak

  • 1Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology F4-218, Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, NL-1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Insights

Targeting cellular adhesion molecules and chemokines offers a novel treatment approach for inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis when anti-TNF-alpha therapies fail. Small-molecule antagonists may enable convenient oral drug delivery.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Targeted therapies like anti-TNF-alpha have improved chronic inflammatory disorder treatment.
  • Not all patients respond to current targeted therapies, necessitating novel approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore targeting cellular adhesion molecules and chemokines/chemokine receptors as a novel therapeutic strategy.
  • To investigate the potential for small-molecule antagonists for oral delivery in treating inflammatory diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Focus on leukocyte extravasation and migration pathways.
  • Development of small-molecule antagonists.

Main Results:

  • Targeting cellular adhesion molecules and chemokines presents a promising therapeutic avenue.
  • Small-molecule antagonists offer potential for oral administration and short half-life compounds.

Conclusions:

  • Novel therapeutic strategies targeting leukocyte migration are needed for inflammatory diseases.
  • Small-molecule antagonists represent a viable approach for oral drug delivery in this context.

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