title: New therapeutics that treat rheumatoid arthritis by blocking T-cell activation.
abstract: Despite the recent introduction of several new biological products, there remains a significant unmet medical need in rheumatoid arthritis. A focus on the aberrant activation of autoimmune T cells, which is integral to pathogenesis, is a promising approach involved in several of these new therapies. In choosing a molecular target for the modification of T-cell function, it is argued in this article, that within co-stimulatory pathways, CD80 could have a more compelling rationale than CD86. Data are presented showing that CD80-mediated T-cell activation can be inhibited using a small-molecule antagonist, which offers the potential to prevent the inflammatory process leading to joint destruction.
authors.affiliation: Avidex, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 4RX, UK. neill.mackenzie@avidex.com
authors.forename: Neill M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: MacKenzie
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D018122:B7-1 Antigen / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D018122:B7-1 Antigen