Anti-cytokine therapy

Abstract

Cytokines are secreted proteins with growth, differentiation, and activation functions that regulate and determine the natures of immune responses. Which cytokines are produced in response to an immune insult determines initially whether an immune response develops and subsequently whether that response is cytotoxic, humoral, cell-mediated, or allergic. This recognition of the importance of cytokines to allergic inflammation and asthma has led to the development of means to modulate cytokine activity as potential pharmacological agents in the treatment of allergic diseases. Inhibition of cytokine production is among the most important anti-inflammatory mechanisms for corticosteroids and calcineurin antagonists such as cyclosporine A, tacrolimus (FK506), and pimecrolimus. However, numerous agents currently in various stages of development specifically target inflammation produced by cytokines in allergic disorders. These include the use of cytokines that are themselves anti-inflammatory or have activities that may inhibit allergic inflammation. Alternatively, novel methods under development target the activities of allergenic cytokines.