Cytokine inhibitors in autoimmune disease.
The cytokine network participates in the modulation of the immune system. Furthermore, the formation of the cytokine-receptor complex, as well as the transcription, translation, secretion, or degradation of cytokines interfere with the functions of cytokines. Cytokine inhibitors include antagonists, soluble receptors, cytokine-binding proteins, and cytokines that block other cytokines. In autoimmune diseases, an abnormal production of proinflammatory cytokines, or a reduced inhibition of their actions, may lead to an imbalance. The main cytokine inhibitors include interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), soluble IL-1 receptor (sIL-1R), soluble TNF-alpha receptors (soluble TNF-Rs), and certain cytokines, such as IL-4, TGF beta, and IL-10. The combination of cytokine inhibitors is a potential therapeutic approach in the treatment of immunoinflammatory diseases. The nonspecific effects of immunosuppressive drugs are improved by using inhibitors with more specific actions on the functions of proinflammatory cytokines.
Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Instituto Nacional de la Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Weckmann
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Alcocer-Varela
D000818:Animals; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D015551:Autoimmunity; D016207:Cytokines / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D053590:Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / Q000502:physiology; D012795:Sialoglycoproteins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology
D016207:Cytokines; C507763:IL1RN protein, human; D053590:Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; D012795:Sialoglycoproteins; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D016753:Interleukin-10; D015847:Interleukin-4