title: [Effect of CTLA4-Ig on radiographic outcome of patients with rheumatoid arthritis].
abstract: CTLA4-Ig (abatacept) is a recombinant fusion protein containing components of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4 that inhibit costimulatory signal from antigen presenting cells and prevent activation of T cells. Abatacept significantly ameliorated signs and symptoms and improved physical function of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who had shown inadequate response to methotrexate (MTX) or TNF antagonists. Abatacept also retarded the radiological progression of structural damage of affected joints in MTX-resistant patients. This article briefly discussed the mechanism of action and the results of clinical trials of abatacept.
authors.affiliation: Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Clinical Research Center.
authors.forename: Masayoshi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Harigai
mesh_terms: D000069594:Abatacept; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D001175:Arthrography; D017322:Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D018796:Immunoconjugates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D018796:Immunoconjugates; D000069594:Abatacept