Methotrexate: anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive?
Low dose methotrexate (MTX) is an effective drug for rheumatoid arthritis, suppressing joint inflammation and even radiographic progression of joint disease. Some disease-specific side effects suggest an immunomodulatory effect of the drug. However, most data currently available suggest a mechanism of action at the level of the non-specific efferent arc of the immuno-inflammatory process rather than on T cells.
van de Putte
L B
LB
Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Boerbooms
A M
AM
Barrera
P
P
Kerstens
P J
PJ
Jeurissen
M E
ME
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000494:pharmacology; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000187:drug effects; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D008727:Methotrexate