Immunosuppressive therapy of autoimmune diseases

Ciclosporin and cyclophosphamide show a remarkable efficacy in most autoimmune diseases. However, their effect is dependent on continuous drug administration with risks of drug toxicity and over immunosuppression. Results recently obtained in animal models, discussed here by Jean François Bach particularly with anti-CD3 and anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies, indicate that reestablishment of tolerance to self antigens is a feasible goal.