Cytokines in immunotherapy of experimental uveitis

Y De Kozak, C Verwaerde - International reviews of immunology, 2002 - Taylor & Francis
Y De Kozak, C Verwaerde
International reviews of immunology, 2002Taylor & Francis
A better understanding of the basic mechanisms of uveitis and of the role of cytokines in
experimental ocular inflammation autoimmune diseases should allow us to define new
approaches for therapy. Modulation of the cytokine network by either blocking cytokine
activity or administration of regulatory Th2 cytokines has shown its efficacy in several
experimental autoimmune diseases including uveitis. However, cytokines present
pleiotropic activities and thus may exert different effects depending on the autoimmune …
A better understanding of the basic mechanisms of uveitis and of the role of cytokines in experimental ocular inflammation autoimmune diseases should allow us to define new approaches for therapy. Modulation of the cytokine network by either blocking cytokine activity or administration of regulatory Th2 cytokines has shown its efficacy in several experimental autoimmune diseases including uveitis. However, cytokines present pleiotropic activities and thus may exert different effects depending on the autoimmune diseases, making interventions on their production complex. Anti-cytokine therapy or a combination of anti-cytokine drugs, antibodies, and cytokine gene therapy to synergize the therapeutical effects of other treatments appear to be of interest. Improvements in drug delivery and in biotechnology will also allow us to elaborate new and safe immunomodulatory strategies.
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