Anti-cytokine strategies.
Although antibiotics and support systems have reduced the mortality due to bacterial infections, 40-50% mortality is still an unacceptable statistic. Anti-LPS (anti-lipid A) passive immunotherapy has reduced this mortality but only in patients with documented Gram-negative bacteriemia. However, anti-cytokine therapy such as monoclonal antibodies to TNF and the IL-1ra have reduced mortality to all infectious causes. IL-1ra is presently in Phase III trials as is monoclonal anti-TNF. Two other strategies are soluble (extracellular domains) receptors to TNF and IL-1. These are now entering Phase I trials but animal data strongly support that similar to antibodies to TNF and IL-1ra, these anti-cytokine therapies will also be effective.
Dinarello
C A
CA
Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.
D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans
D016207:Cytokines