Immunotherapy of Crohn's disease.
CD4+ T-lymphocytes have a central role in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease. The activation and proliferation of T-lymphocytes following stimulation by antigen-presenting cells is controlled by regulatory cytokines (i.e. IL-10) and by induction of programmed cell death. Tissue damage as a result of T-lymphocyte-mediated inflammation is mediated by pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-alpha. Novel immunodulatory strategies in Crohn's disease are based on these principles, and it has been demonstrated that neutralization of TNF-alpha by administration monoclonal antibodies as well as administration of recombinant human IL-10 have therapeutic activity in Crohn's disease. The current status of these new therapies as well as future developments are discussed.
Van Deventer
S J
SJ
Laboratory for Experimental Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D018928:Immunity, Mucosal; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D000069285:Infliximab; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009500:Neutralization Tests; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D016753:Interleukin-10; D000069285:Infliximab