title: Anti-interferon-gamma antibodies in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
abstract: Interferon (IFN)-gamma is an important immune regulator in normal immunity. When IFN gamma production is disturbed, various autoimmune diseases (ADs) can develop, in which we suggest that anti-IFN gamma could have a beneficial effect. Depending on the cell type in which IFN gamma synthesis is disturbed, different clinical manifestations may result. We have also proposed to remove tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, together with certain types of IFNs, to treat various ADs and AIDS, also an autoimmune condition. Anti-IFN gamma has been tested in several T-helper cell (Th1) ADs, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), corneal transplant rejection, uveitis, Type I diabetes, schizophrenia (anti-IFN gamma and anti-TNF alpha), and various autoimmune skin diseases (alopecia areata, psoriasis vulgaris, vitiligo, pemphigus vulgaris and epidermolysis bullosa). A strong, sometimes striking, therapeutic response followed administration of anti-IFN gamma, indicating that it may be a promising therapy for Th1 ADs.
authors.affiliation: Brown Medical School, 169 Angell Street, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
authors.forename: Boris
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Skurkovich
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Skurkovich
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000276:immunology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D007371:Interferon-gamma