Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
12:50
Screening Assays to Characterize Novel Endothelial Regulators Involved in the Inflammatory Response
Published on: September 15, 2017
Biologic response modifiers to decrease inflammation: Focus on infection risks.
Paediatrics & Child Health
|March 2, 2013
Summary
Biologic response modifiers, or cytokine inhibitors, treat immune-mediated diseases by blocking inflammation. Patients taking these drugs face increased risks of infections like tuberculosis and fungal pathogens, requiring preventive strategies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology and Pharmacology
- Novel therapeutic agents targeting inflammatory pathways
Background:
- Biologic response modifiers are a class of drugs used to treat immune-mediated conditions.
- These agents, also known as cytokine inhibitors, work by blocking cytokines involved in inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide guidelines on preventive strategies for patients undergoing treatment with biologic response modifiers.
- To highlight the increased risk of infections associated with these immune-modulating agents.
Main Methods:
- Review of evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of biologic response modifiers.
- Analysis of infection risks, including tuberculosis and intracellular pathogens, in patients using these drugs.
- Development of recommendations for preventive measures.
Main Results:
- Biologic response modifiers effectively reduce inflammation in conditions like juvenile idiopathic arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Patients treated with these agents exhibit a higher susceptibility to infections, notably tuberculosis and fungal infections.
- The immune-modulating effects can be long-lasting, persisting after drug discontinuation.
Conclusions:
- Biologic response modifiers represent a significant advancement in treating immune-mediated diseases.
- Proactive infection prevention strategies are crucial for patients receiving these therapies.
- Guidelines are necessary to mitigate the risks of opportunistic infections.
Related Concept Videos
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...
01:24Drugs 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),...
01:28Inflammatory Response
An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
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...
01:17Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Lower respiratory tract disorders present challenges that often require skilled and nuanced approaches for effective management. Common ailments, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), have prompted the development of intricate treatment strategies involving bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs, each tailored to ease breathing and revitalize the lungs.
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...