[Monoclonal antibodies for treating autoimmune diseases]

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed to selected cell surface antigens, cytokines and their receptors, and adhesion molecules have been shown to inhibit autoimmune responses in preclinial animal models. Therapeutic trials using the chimeric or humanized mAbs have already been undergoing in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Effects of anti-CD4 mAb are controversial, but anti-TNF-alpha mAb reveals encouraging results. Although it is too early to determine the efficacy, mAbs are new hopeful therapeutic strategies for autoimmune diseases.