title: [Interleukin-6 inhibition as a potential therapeutic target in rheumatic diseases].
abstract: As a pro-inflammatory cytokine, the 21-kDa glycoprotein interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a crucial role in the initiation of acute inflammation, as well in the perpetuation of a chronic inflammatory immune response. Thus, IL-6 might be involved in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases. So far, the IL-6-rezeptor-antibody tocilizumab (TCZ, RoActemtra®) is the only approved drug for the treatment of IL-6-mediated disease, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic juvenile idiopathic (sJIA) and polyarticular juvenile arthritis (pJiA), as well as Castleman's disease (in Japan only). In recent years, an emerging number of case reports and small uncontrolled case series have reported on the successful treatment of various other chronic inflammatory diseases, which has resulted in the idea of a broad therapeutic potential for IL-6 blockade. Numerous IL-6 targets are currently in phase II/III study programs for RA as well as for other indications. This review focuses on the development of tocilizumab and other IL-6 targets as a therapeutic option for various diseases in rheumatology.
authors.affiliation: III. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf , Martinistr. 52 , 20246, Hamburg, Deutschland. c.iking-konert@uke.de.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Iking-Konert
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Internistische Rheumatologie, Medizinisches Zentrum der Städte Region Aachen, Würselen, Deutschland.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bartz-Bazzanella
authors.affiliation: Rheumatologie, Kliniken Essen Süd, Essen, Deutschland.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Falagan
authors.affiliation: Chugai Pharma Marketing Ltd., Frankfurt , Deutschland.
authors.forename: M W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Hofman
authors.affiliation: Universitätsmedizin I. Medizinische Klinik, Universitätsmedizin, Mainz, Deutschland.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Schwarting
authors.affiliation: Rheumatologie Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Dörner
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology*; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology; D015195:Drug Design; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000276:immunology*; D018448:Models, Immunological; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000093242:Interleukin-6 Inhibitors
chemical_list: D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D015850:Interleukin-6; D000093242:Interleukin-6 Inhibitors; C502936:tocilizumab
keywords: Chronic-inflammatory diseases; GRAID; Interleukin 6; Off-label; Tocilizumab