title: [TNFalpha inhibitors in the treatment of uveitis].
abstract: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays a pivotal role in chronic inflammatory diseases. Data from animal experiments indicate that TNFalpha is an important part of the pro-inflammatory processes in non-infectious uveitis. Neutralization of TNFalpha with TNF receptor fusion proteins or monoclonal antibodies, therefore, represents a promising strategy for the treatment of uveitis. In addition, the currently available TNFalpha inhibitors demonstrate a favourable profile of side effects compared to conventional immunosuppressive agents. Previous studies showed the immunological efficacy of TNFalpha inhibitors in the treatment of posterior uveitis. However, the available data on anterior uveitis are inconclusive with respect to the clinical efficacy of these agents.
authors.affiliation: Augenklinik, Carl-Thiem-Klinikum, Cottbus. k.greiner@ctk.de
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Greiner
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Plskova
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000502:physiology; D014605:Uveitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha