Cytokine modulators for allergic diseases.
Cytokines play a critical role in orchestrating and perpetuating inflammation in allergic diseases and several specific cytokine inhibitors now in development for the treatment of asthma and other allergic diseases. The effects of inhibiting the T helper 2 cytokines interleukin-5, interleukin-13 and interleukin-9 are discussed, together with inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Inhibitory cytokines, such as interleukin-10, interferons and interleukin-12, are also being considered in the treatment of allergic diseases.
Barnes
P J
PJ
Department of Thoracic Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK. p.j.barnes@ic.ac.uk
D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007372:Interferons / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018664:Interleukin-12 / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D051379:Mice; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000378:metabolism
D016207:Cytokines; D016753:Interleukin-10; D018664:Interleukin-12; D007372:Interferons