Reactivation of latent granulomatous infections by infliximab.
Although infliximab and etanercept share tumor necrosis factor (TNF) as a common therapeutic target, accumulating data indicate that infliximab (an anti-TNF monoclonal antibody) poses a greater risk of reactivation of latent granulomatous infections than does etanercept (a soluble TNF receptor). Similarly, infliximab is effective for the treatment of chronic granulomatous inflammatory conditions (e.g., Crohn disease) for which etanercept is ineffective. The ability of infliximab to disrupt established granulomas may be distinct from its ability to neutralize soluble TNF. Further research to elucidate the mechanism of the antigranuloma activity of infliximab is warranted.
University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA. robert.wallis@columbia.ppdi.com
Robert S
RS
Wallis
Michael
M
Broder
John
J
Wong
Albert
A
Lee
Lalima
L
Hoq
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D000068800:Etanercept; D006099:Granuloma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000494:pharmacology; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D000069285:Infliximab; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; D012306:Risk; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000502:physiology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D000069285:Infliximab; D000068800:Etanercept