[Experimental therapy of rheumatoid arthritis with cytokine antagonists]

Although the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis is still unknown, our knowledge of pathophysiologic mechanisms in this disease has markedly increased. Especially the immunological characterization of cells involved in the inflammatory process and their secretory products (cytokines) allowed new experimental therapeutic approaches. Apparently, the cytokines TNF alpha, IL-1, and IL-6, predominantly produced by accessory cells, play an important role in the actual articular and extraarticular inflammation. Therefore, several pilot studies employed various methods to inhibit the effects of these proinflammatory cytokines. This paper provides an overview about initial results of these studies and an outlook with regard to future developments.