The cytokine network in juvenile chronic arthritis

This is a brief overview of the cytokine network within juvenile chronic arthritis, introducing the concept of the production of T-helper 1 (TH-1) or TH2-cell differentiation as a result of cytokine production, as well as the concept of the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The balance of TH1 and TH2 cells of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines could be altered as a result of genetic differences in the expression levels of a number of key cytokines and may be the critical events leading to chronic inflammation. Finally, the importance of identifying molecular targets for intervention therapy to change the balance of the cytokine network is proposed.