Physiology of cytokine pathways in rheumatoid arthritis

Arthritis Care & Research 2001; 45(1):101-6

This review from 2001 describes the main cytokines involved in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid synovitis, and the redundant and synergistic nature of cytokine pathways in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The self-regulating nature of cytokines are explained through the actions of anti-inflammatory cytokines, opposing cytokines, cytokine receptor antagonists, and naturally occurring antibodies. The paper explains that as disease often results when an imbalance develops in the cytokine network, therapeutic approaches have been developed to restore this imbalance either by inhibiting production or negating the effects of cytokines. The main emphasis of the review is the role of the two major pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFa), and the therapies targeting these cytokines are discussed.

Slides coming soon