Potential treatment of sepsis syndrome with cytokine-specific agents.
Blocking the effects of cytokines is a potential new therapeutic avenue for the treatment of Gram-negative sepsis. Three classes of agents are currently being evaluated: antibodies, circulating inhibitors, and receptor antagonists. Data in the current literature support the consideration of these agents as potential therapeutic agents in Gram-negative sepsis. The clinical utility of these agents is contingent on the results of well-designed, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials in well-defined clinical populations. These trials will require the cooperation of clinical and basic scientists. At this time, preliminary and early clinical trials are in progress utilizing IL-1 and TNF-alpha circulating inhibitors, IL-1 receptor antagonists, and monoclonal antibodies to TNF-alpha and the TNF-alpha receptor.
Christman
J W
JW
Department of Veterans Affairs, Vanderbilt University, Nashville.
D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016207:Cytokines / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D016905:Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D013577:Syndrome
D000906:Antibodies; D016207:Cytokines; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic