title: The pivotal role of interleukin-1 in the clinical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: The role of the cytokine network in mediating inflammation and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been investigated extensively in recent years. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) are two pivotal proinflammatory cytokines that have been shown to contribute to the clinical manifestations of RA. The ability of IL-1 to drive inflammation and joint erosion and to inhibit tissue repair processes has been clearly established in in vitro systems and animal models. Under physiological conditions, the activity of IL-1 is balanced by IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1R alpha). Understanding of the respective roles of IL-1 and IL-1R alpha in conditions of health and disease has led to the development of a recombinant IL-1ra, anakinra (Kineret; Amgen Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA), which offers a new therapeutic modality for RA.
authors.affiliation: Division of Immunology and Allergy, University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland. jean-michel.dayer@hcuge.ch
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Dayer
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D053590:Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000502:physiology*; D017472:Receptors, Interleukin-1 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D012795:Sialoglycoproteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: C507763:IL1RN protein, human; D053590:Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein; D007375:Interleukin-1; D017472:Receptors, Interleukin-1; D012795:Sialoglycoproteins; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha