Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
16:07
Determination of the Relative Potency of an Anti-TNF Monoclonal Antibody (mAb) by Neutralizing TNF Using an In Vitro Bioanalytical Method
Published on: September 16, 2017
Travel in patients receiving TNF-alpha inhibitors
1Divisions of General Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease
|February 13, 2007
Summary
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors like infliximab, etanercept, and adalimumab improve lifestyles but increase infection risks. Travelers on these medications require careful consideration of immune function and potential infectious complications.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Travel Medicine
Background:
- Biologic therapies targeting tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), including infliximab, etanercept, and adalimumab, are widely used for chronic inflammatory conditions.
- These medications enhance patient quality of life and activity levels.
- However, their impact on immune function necessitates understanding associated infectious risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the immunologic and infectious consequences of TNF-α inhibitor therapies.
- To assess the implications of these therapies for individuals engaging in travel.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on TNF-α inhibitors, immune function, infectious complications, and travel medicine.
- Synthesis of current knowledge regarding the effects of infliximab, etanercept, and adalimumab on the immune system.
- Analysis of risks posed to travelers undergoing these treatments.
Main Results:
- TNF-α inhibitors modulate immune responses, increasing susceptibility to certain infections.
- The combination of immunosuppression and active lifestyles presents unique challenges for travelers.
- Specific infectious risks associated with these therapies require careful management in travel settings.
Conclusions:
- Practitioners of travel medicine must be aware of the immunologic effects of TNF-α inhibitors.
- Risk assessment and preventive strategies are crucial for travelers on infliximab, etanercept, or adalimumab.
- Further research is needed to optimize travel health recommendations for patients receiving these biologic agents.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine, contributes significantly to the inflammation seen in Crohn's disease. It exists as soluble TNF and membrane-bound TNF, with actions mediated through TNF receptors (TNFR). TNFR activation leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines, T-cell activation, collagen production, and leukocyte migration, all contributing to inflammation in Crohn's disease. Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies, namely infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira),...
01:24T Cell Types and Functions
When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
01:29Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Upon diagnosis, managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) involves addressing several crucial aspects. The primary goals include resting the bowel, correcting malnutrition, and providing symptomatic relief. Resting the bowel may consist of medications to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Correcting malnutrition is essential, often requiring dietary adjustments and nutritional supplements. Symptomatic relief aims to ease pain, diarrhea, and other discomforts in IBD.
Pharmacologic...
Pharmacologic...
01:20Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation that typically begins in the rectum and extends proximally in a uniform pattern. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental influences. These factors converge to impair the colon’s epithelial defenses and promote an exaggerated inflammatory response against luminal contents.Breakdown of the Mucosal BarrierA...
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease...
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...