Novel pro-inflammatory interleukins: potential therapeutic targets in rheumatoid arthritis

Joint Bone Spine. 2001 Dec;68(6):477-81. doi: 10.1016/s1297-319x(01)00310-4.

Abstract

Among potential targets for nonspecific anti-inflammatory immunointervention, three pro-inflammatory interleukins (ILs) have recently been found to play a pivotal role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). IL-15 has both chemoattractant and proinflammatory properties and may promote bone destruction. IL-17, a product of T lymphocytes, has proinflammatory effects and induces production of metalloproteinases such as MMP-1. IL-18 not only has proinflammatory, angiogenic, and chemoattractant effects but also promotes cartilage destruction. These cytokines are potential targets for specific or nonspecific anti-inflammatory therapy. Thus, blocking IL-15 by its receptor reduces the severity of experimental collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). In this model, IL-17 levels fall after administration of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-4 or IL-13. Finally, monoclonal anti-IL-18 antibodies prevent streptococcal cell wall arthritis, and IL-18 binding protein, which is a naturally occurring IL-18 inhibitor, prevents CIA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arthritis, Experimental / drug therapy
  • Arthritis, Experimental / immunology
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / immunology*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / pathology
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / therapy
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Humans
  • Inflammation Mediators / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Inflammation Mediators / immunology*
  • Inflammation Mediators / pharmacology
  • Interleukin-13 / therapeutic use
  • Interleukin-15 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Interleukin-15 / immunology
  • Interleukin-15 / pharmacology
  • Interleukin-17 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Interleukin-17 / immunology
  • Interleukin-17 / pharmacology
  • Interleukin-18 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Interleukin-18 / immunology
  • Interleukin-18 / pharmacology
  • Interleukin-4 / therapeutic use
  • Interleukins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Interleukins / immunology*
  • Interleukins / pharmacology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout

Substances

  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Interleukin-13
  • Interleukin-15
  • Interleukin-17
  • Interleukin-18
  • Interleukins
  • Interleukin-4