[Monoclonal antibodies and rheumatoid polyarthritis]

Monoclonal antibodies allow to foresee selective immunotherapy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Several molecules implicated in the immunopathogenesis of the disease represent the targets (antigens) of monoclonal antibodies already used in man: T cell antigens, T cell activation antigens, adhesion molecules, cytokines. The first open studies gave promising results. However complementary investigations are requested to confirm the clinical efficacy and to precise the real place of these biologic agents in the strategy of treatment of RA or auto-immune diseases.