title: Inhibiting interleukin-6 in rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: Interleukin (IL)-6 is the most abundant proinflammatory cytokine in the circulation and synovial joints of patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. It has pivotal roles in the immune response and inflammation. In rheumatoid arthritis, it causes synovitis, joint destruction, and many systemic manifestations. Clinical trials of tocilizumab, a humanized anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody that blocks IL-6 signaling, have demonstrated therapeutic benefit. It heralds a new era of anticytokine therapy in rheumatoid arthritis.
authors.affiliation: Academic Department of Rheumatology, 2nd Floor, Weston Education Centre, King's College London, Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9PJ, United Kingdom. ernest.choy@kcl.ac.uk
authors.forename: Ernest
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Choy
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000378:metabolism; D019947:Receptors, Interleukin-6 / Q000276:immunology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects; D000093242:Interleukin-6 Inhibitors
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D015850:Interleukin-6; D019947:Receptors, Interleukin-6; D000093242:Interleukin-6 Inhibitors; C502936:tocilizumab