[Anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis].
BACKGROUND
Current slow-acting anti-rheumatic drugs available for rheumatoid arthritis can fail for certain severe cases; some are used empirically. Improvements in our knowledge of its pathogenesis and advances in molecular biology have made it possible to develop partially selective immunotherapy approaches.


BACKGROUND
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a critical inflammatory mediator in rheumatoid arthritis and may therefore be a useful target for specific immunotherapy. This article summarizes clinical studies using anti-TNF-alpha antibodies. It appears that there is good evidence for both safety and beneficial effects of anti-TNF-alpha antibodies in short-term treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.


CONCLUSIONS
It remains to be determined whether specific blockade of a single inflammatory mediator may be useful in long-term management. Therapeutic strategies aimed at concomitantly interfering with multiple pathogenic pathways are currently under investigation.
Mugnier
B
B
Service de rhumatologie, hôpital de la Conception, Marseille, France.
Bouvenot
G
G
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods; D000069285:Infliximab; D012107:Research Design; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000276:immunology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; C402162:CDP 571; D000069285:Infliximab