Mechanisms for modulating TNF alpha in immune and inflammatory disease
Baugh, J.A.; Bucala, R.
Current Opinion in Drug Discovery and Development 4(5): 635-650
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 1367-6733 PMID: 12825458 Document Number: 530778
The development of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) inhibitors has been one of the most active areas of drug development over the last ten years for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Following the definition of TNF alpha as a key mediator of inflammatory disease and the success demonstrated by various anti-TNF alpha strategies in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, many investigators have sought to refine mechanisms by which to modulate TNF alpha in vivo. Many advances are presently being made in the understanding of how TNF alpha production is regulated, and with this knowledge comes the identification of new targets and pathways for therapeutic intervention. Here, we review the development of the currently available therapeutics and the progressive steps that are being made to improve clinical efficacy of anti-TNF alpha strategies.