Immunotherapeutic Biologic Agents to Treat Autoinflammatory Diseases

Abstract

In recent years, innovative treatment for patients with autoimmune and autoinflamma-tory diseases has advanced in concert with our increased understanding of molecular and clinical immunology. Deeper understanding of autoimmunity has allowed for the development of cutting-edge biologic drugs for patients with relatively common autoim-mune diseases. During this same period, knowledge regarding the molecular bases of autoinflammatory genetic diseases has also greatly expanded. Biologic immunothera-peutic agents developed for autoimmune diseases that primarily target cytokines that are also dysregulated in the uncommon autoinflammatory diseases are the focus of this article. In the following pages, selected genetic autoinflammatory diseases and key immunotherapeutic treatment approaches are addressed. The current understanding of these diseases and mechanisms by which therapeutic agents may benefit patients are reviewed. Indications, risks, and additional considerations for the use of these agents in treatment of autoinflammatory disorders are addressed as well.