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The pivotal role of interleukin-1 in the clinical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis

Dayer, J.-M

In: Rheumatology, 2003, vol. 42, p. ii3-ii10

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    Title
    • The pivotal role of interleukin-1 in the clinical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis
    Author
    • Dayer, J.-M. University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland.
    Document Type
    • Postprint
    OAI-PMH Identifier
    • oai:doc.rero.ch:303721
    Summary
    The role of the cytokine network in mediating inflammation and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been investigated extensively in recent years. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) are two pivotal proinflammatory cytokines that have been shown to contribute to the clinical manifestations of RA. The ability of IL-1 to drive inflammation and joint erosion and to inhibit tissue repair processes has been clearly established in in vitro systems and animal models. Under physiological conditions, the activity of IL-1 is balanced by IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra). Understanding of the respective roles of IL-1 and IL-1Ra in conditions of health and disease has led to the development of a recombinant IL-1ra, anakinra (Kineret®; Amgen Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA), which offers a new therapeutic modality for RA