Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Adoptive Immunotherapy of iNKT Cells in Glucose-6-Phosphate Isomerase (G6PI)-Induced RA Mice
Published on: January 31, 2020
Anti-interleukin-6 therapy in rheumatoid arthritis
Robert Woodrick1, Eric M Ruderman
1Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois. USA.
Abstract:
Recent advances in research have led to significant progress in unraveling the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including the cytokine-mediated signaling process. While therapies targeting one particular cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), have revolutionized the treatment of RA, other cytokines, including interleukin 6 (IL-6,) have been implicated in the disease process. In this review, we describe the research that ultimately led to large, randomized, controlled trials demonstrating the effectiveness of tocilizumab, a monoclonal antibody directed against the IL-6 receptor, as a potent new therapeutic agent in RA treatment. These data have shown this agent to be effective both in patients failing non-biologic DMARDs and those failing anti-TNF therapy, although the drug is currently approved for use only in the latter situation. Adverse events seen with tocilizumab therapy are also reviewed.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Pharmacologic...