Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Cytokines as Potential Therapeutic Targets for Inflammatory Skin Diseases pp 1–27Cite as

Inhibition of IFN-γ as a Method of Treatment of Various Autoimmune Diseases, Including Skin Diseases

  • Conference paper

Part of the book series: Ernst Schering Research Foundation Workshop ((SCHERING FOUND,volume 56))

Abstract

We pioneered anticytokine therapy (ACT) for autoimmune diseases (ADs). In 1974, we proposed that hyperproduced interferon (IFN) can bring AD and anti-IFN can be therapeutic. In 1989, we proposed removing tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α together with certain types of IFNto treat variousADs. We found IFN in patients with different ADs and conducted the first clinical trial of ACT in 1975. Anti-IFN-γ and anti-TNF-α work in similar ways, but the latter brings serious complications in some patients. We obtained good, sometimes striking, therapeutic effects treating many different Th-1-mediated ADs with anti-IFN-γ, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis (MS), corneal transplant rejection, and various autoimmune skin diseases such as psoriasis, alopecia areata, vitiligo, acne vulgaris, and others. Anti-IFN-γ was in someways superior to anti-TNF- α, which was ineffective in MS. Anti-IFN-γ therapy holds great promise for treating many Th-1 ADs, especially skin diseases.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   109.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   149.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   149.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Albers R, Bol M, Bleumink R, Willems AA, Pieters RH (2003) Effects of supplementation with vitamins A, C, and E, selenium, and zinc on immune function in a murine sensitization model. Nutrition 19:940–946

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Arca E, Musabak U, Akar A, Erbil AH, Tastan HB (2004) Interferon-gamma in alopecia areata. Eur J Dermatol 14:33–36

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Aurelian L, Ono F, Burnett J (2003) Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-associated erythemamultiforme (HAEM): a viral disease with an autoimmune component. Dermatol Online J 9:1

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Barker JN, Karabin GD, Stoof TJ et al (1991) Detection of interferon-gamma mRNAin psoriatic epidermis by polymerase chain reaction. J Dermatol Sci 2:106–111

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Baxter AG and Smyth MJ (2002) The role of NK cells in autoimmune disease. Autoimmunity 35:1–14

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Buntinx M, Ameloot M, Steels P (2002) Interferon-gamma-induced calcium influx in T lymphocytes of multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis patients: a complementary mechanism for T cell activation? J Neuroimmunol 124:70–82

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Buntinx M, Gielen E, Van Hummelen P et al (2004) Cytokine-induced cell death in human oligodendroglial cell lines. II: alterations in gene expression induced by interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. J Neurosci Res 76:846–861

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Canete JD, Martinez SE, Farres J, Sanmarti R, Blay M, Gomez A, Salvador G, Munoz-Gomez J (2000) Differential Th-1/Th-2 cytokine patterns in chronic arthritis: interferon gamma is highly expressed in synovium of rheumatoid arthritis compared with seronegative spondyloarthropathies. Ann Rheum Dis 59:263–268

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cannon GW, Emkey RD, Denes A (1993) Prospective 5-year followup of recombinant interferon-gamma in rheumatoid arthritis. J Rheumatol 20:1867–1873

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2004) Tuberculosis associated with blocking agents against tumor necrosis factor-alpha-California, 2002–2003. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 53:683–686

    Google Scholar 

  • Chinen J and Shearer WT (2003) Basic and clinical immunology. J Allergy Clin Immunol 111: S813–S818

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chopra V, Tyring SK, Johnson L, Fine JD (1992) Peripheral blood mononuclear cell subsets in patients with severe inherited forms of epidermolysis bullosa. Arch Dermatol 128:201–209

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Christensen T, Sorensen PD, Hansen HJ, Moller-Larsen A (2001) [Endogenous retroviruses in multiple sclerosis] (in Danish) Ugeskr Laeger 163:297–301

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cippitelli M and Santoni A (1998) Vitamin D3: a transcriptional modulator of the interferon-gamma gene. Eur J Immunol 28:3017–3030

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cunnane G, Doran M, Bresnihan B (2003) Infections and biological therapy in rheumatoid arthritis. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 17:345–363

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Davis EG, Rush BR, Blecha F (2003) Increases in cytokine and antimicrobial peptide gene expression in horses by immunomodulation with Propionibacterium acnes. Vet Ther 4:5–11

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Debray-Sachs M, Carnaud C, Boitard C, Cohen H, Gresser I, Bedossa P, Bach JF (1991) Prevention of diabetes in NOD mice treated with antibody to murine IFN gamma. J Autoimmun 4:237–248

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Egwuagu CE, Mahdi RM, Chan CC, Sztein J, Li W, Smith JA, Chepelinsky AB (1999) Expression of interferon-gamma in the lens exacerbates anterior uveitis and induces retinal degenerative changes in transgenic Lewis rats. Clin Immunol 91:196–205

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ettefagh L, Nedorost S, Mirmirani P (2004) Alopecia areata in a patient using infliximab: new insights into the role of tumor necrosis factor on human hair follicles. Arch Dermatol 140:1012

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fabris P, Betterle C, Greggio NA, Zanchetta R, Bosi E, Biasin MR, de Lalla F (1998) Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus during alpha-interferon therapy for chronic viral hepatitis. J Hepatol 28:514–517

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Faergemann J, Jones JC, Hettler O, Loria Y (1996) Pityrosporum ovale (Malassezia furfur) as the causative agent of seborrhoeic dermatitis: new treatment options. Br J Dermatol 134[Suppl 46]:12–5; discussion 38

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fierlbeck G, Rassner G, Muller C (1990) Psoriasis induced at the injection site of recombinant interferon gamma. Results of immunohistologic investigations. Arch Dermatol 126:351–355

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Freyschmidt-Paul P, Zöller M, McElwee KJ, Sundberg J, Happle R, Hoffmann R (2004) The functional relevance of the type 1 cytokines IFN-γ and IL-2 in alopecia areata of C3H/HeJ mice. Plenary Workshop on Alopecia Areata, The 4th Intercontinental Meeting of Hair Research Societies, Berlin, Germany, June 17–19

    Google Scholar 

  • Gardella R, Belletti L, Zoppi N, Marini D, Barlati S, Colombi M (1996) Identification of two splicing mutations in the collagen type VII gene (COL7A1)of a patient affected by the localisata variant of recessive dystrophic e pidermolysis bullosa. AmJ HumGenet 59:292–300

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Goodwin JL, Uemura E, Cunnick JE (1995) Microglial release of nitric oxide by the synergistic action of beta-amyloid and IFN-gamma. Brain Res 692:207–214

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Grimes PE, Morris R, Avaniss-Aghajani E, Soriano T, Meraz M, Metzger A (2004) Topical tacrolimus therapy for vitiligo: therapeutic responses and skin messenger RNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines. J Am Acad Dermatol 51:52–61

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hamilton CD (2004) Infectious complications of treatment with biologic agents. Curr Opin Rheumatol 16:393–398

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Harrison LC and McColl GJ (1998) Infection and autoimmune disease In: Rose NR, Mackay IR (eds) The autoimmune diseases, 3rd edn. Academic Press, New York, 134

    Google Scholar 

  • Hartung HP, Schafer B, van der Meide PH, Fierz W, Heininger K, Toyka KV (1990) The role of interferon-gamma in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune disease of the peripheral nervous system. Ann Neurol 27:247–257

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Horwitz MS, Evans CF, McGavern DB, Rodriguez M, Oldstone MB (1997) Primary demyelination in transgenic mice expressing interferon-gamma. Nat Med 3:1037–1041

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jacob SE, Nassiri M, Kerdel FA, Vincek V (2003) Simultaneous measurement of multiple Th-1 and Th-2 serum cytokines in psoriasis and correlation with disease severity. Mediators Inflamm 12:309–313

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kageyama Y, Koide Y, Yoshida A et al (1998) Reduced susceptibility to Collageninduced arthritis in mice deficient in IFN-gamma receptor. J Immunol 161:1542–1548

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Karlsson H, Bachmann S, Schroder J, McArthur J, Torrey EF, Yolken RH (2001) Retroviral RNA identified in the cerebrospinal fluids and brains of individuals with schizophrenia. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 98:4634–4639

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Karpuzoglu-Sahin E, Hissong BD, Ansar Ahmed S (2001) Interferon-gamma levels are upregulated by 17-beta-estradiol and diethylstilbestrol. J Reprod Immunol 52:113–127

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kasparov AA, Narbut NP, Skurkovich, BS, Skurkovich SV (2004) Treatment of corneal transplant rejection using anti-interferon-γ and anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha. In: Takhchidy KP (ed) New technology in the treatment of diseases of the cornea. Society of Ophthalmologists of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 200–202

    Google Scholar 

  • Kawakami Y, Kuzuya N, Watanabe T, Uchiyama Y, Yamashita K (1990) Induction of experimental thyroiditis in mice by recombinant interferon gamma administration. Acta Endocrinol (Copenh) 122:41–48

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Khan A, Farah CS, Savage NW, Walsh LJ, Harbrow DJ, Sugerman PB (2003) Th-1 cytokines in oral lichen planus. J Oral Pathol Med 32:77–83

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Koga T, Duan H, Urabe K, Furue M (2001) Immunohistochemical detection of interferon-gamma-producing cells in dermatophytosis. Eur J Dermatol 11:105–107

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Koga T, Duan H, Urabe K, Furue M (2002) In situ localization of IFN-gammapositive cells in psoriatic lesional epidermis. Eur J Dermatol 12:20–23

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kokuba H, Aurelian L, Burnett J (1999) Herpes simplex virus associated erythema multiforme (HAEM) is mechanistically distinct from drug-induced erythema multiforme: interferon-gamma is expressed in HAEM lesions and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in drug-induced erythema multiforme lesions. J Invest Dermatol 113:808–815

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Korotky NG, Sharova NM, Skurkovich B, Skurkovich S (2004) Striking therapeutic effects in a patient with dysplastic epidermolysis bullosa using anti-IFN-γ (case report). IX International Congress of Dermatology, Beijing

    Google Scholar 

  • Korotky NG, Sharova NM, Skurkovich B, Skurkovich S (2004) Successful anticytokine therapyin psoriasis. IX International Congress of Dermatology. Abstract Book, Beijing

    Google Scholar 

  • Lenercept Multiple Sclerosis Study Group and The University of British Columbia MS/MRI Analysis Group (1999) TNF neutralization in MS: results of a randomized, placebo-controlled multicenter study. Neurology 53:457–465

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu Q, Arseculeratne C, Liu Z, Whitmire J, Grusby MJ, Finkelman FD, Darling TN, Cheever AW, Swearengen J, Urban JF, Gause WC (2004) Simultaneous deficiency in CD28 and STAT6 results in chronic ectoparasite-induced inflammatory skin disease. Infect Immun 72:3706–715

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lukina GV (2004) Anticytokine therapy in rheumatoid arthritis. Summary of doctoral dissertation, Moscow. 23

    Google Scholar 

  • Lukina G, Sigidin Y, Pushkova O, Mach E, Skurkovich B, Skurkovich S (2003) Treating rheumatoid arthritis with anti-interferon-γ and anti-tumor necrosis factor-α in a randomized, controlled trial. Eur Cytokine Netw 14 [September suppl]: 21

    Google Scholar 

  • Mangge H, Gindl S, Kenzian H, Schauenstein K (2003) Atopic dermatitis as a side effect of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha therapy. J Rheumatol 30:2506–2507

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Michel M, Duvoux C, Hezode C, Cherqui D (2003) Fulminant hepatitis after infliximab in a patient with hepatitis B virus treated for an adult onset Still’s disease. J Rheumatol 30:1624–1625

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Miossec P (1997) Cytokine-induced autoimmune disorders. Drug Saf 17:93–104

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Molinero LL, Gruber M, Leoni J, Woscoff A, Zwirner NW (2003) Up-regulated expression of MICA and proinflammatory cytokines in skin biopsies from patients with seborrhoeic dermatitis. Clin Immunol 106:50–54

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Moncada S, Palmer RM, Higgs EA (1991) Nitric oxide: physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. Pharmacol Rev 43:109–142

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mosmann TR, Sad S (1996) The expanding universe of T-cell subsets: Th-1, Th-2 and more. Immunol Today 17:138–146

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mouser PE, Baker BS, Seaton ED et al (2003) Propionibacterium acnes-reactive T helper-1 cells in the skin of patients with acne vulgaris. J Invest Dermatol 121:1226–1228

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Muller K, Bendtzen K (1996) 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 as a natural regulator of human immune functions. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc 1:68–71

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Murakami M, Kakizaki S, Takayama H, Takagi H, Mori M (1999) [Autoimmune thyroid disease induced by interferon therapy] (in Japanese) Nippon Rinsho 57:1779–1783

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nicoletti F, Zaccone P, Di Marco R, Lunetta M, Magro G, Grasso S, Meroni P, Garotta G (1997) Prevention of spontaneous autoimmune diabetes in diabetes-prone BB rats by prophylactic treatment with antirat interferongamma antibody. Endocrinology 138:281–288

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Oikawa Y, Shimada A, Yamada S, Motohashi Y, Nakagawa Y, Irie J, Maruyama T, Saruta T (2003) NKT cell frequency in Japanese type 1 diabetes. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1005:230–232

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ozawa M and Aiba S (2004) Immunopathogenesis of psoriasis. Curr Drug Targets Inflamm Allergy 3:137–144

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Panitch HS, Hirsch RL, Schindler J, Johnson KP (1987) Treatment of multiple sclerosis with gamma interferon: exacerbations associated with activation of the immune system. Neurology 37:1097–1102

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pittau E, Bogliolo A, Tinti A, Mela Q, Ibba G, Salis G, Perpignano G (1997) Development of arthritis and hypothyroidism during alpha-interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis C. Clin Exp Rheumatol 15:415–419

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ponsonby AL, McMichael A, van der Mei I (2002) Ultraviolet radiation and autoimmune disease: insights from epidemiological research. Toxicology 181/182:71–78

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Prinz JC (1997) Psoriasis vulgaris, streptococci and the immune system: a riddle to be solved soon? Scand J Immunol 45:583–586

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Reichrath J (2004) Antimycotics: why are they effective in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis? Dermatology 208:174–175

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rocha IM and Guillo LA (2001) Lipopolysaccharide and cytokines induce nitric oxide synthase and produce nitric oxide in cultured normal human melanocytes. Arch Dermatol Res 293:245–48

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rufli T and Buchner SA (1984) T-cell subsets in acne rosacea lesions and the possible role of Demodex folliculorum. Dermatologica 169:1–5

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Seitz M, Franke M, Kirchner H (1988) Induction of antinuclear antibodies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving treatment with human recombinant interferon gamma. Ann Rheum Dis 47:642–644

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sigidin AY, Loukina GV, Skurkovich B, Skurkovich SV (2001) Randomized double-blind trial of anti-interferon-g antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis. Scan J Rheumatol 30:203–207

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sharova N, Korotky N, Skurkovich B, Skurkovich S (2003) Successful treatment of alopecia areata with anti-interferon (IFN)-γ. Proceedings of the 10th Meeting of the European Hair Research Society. 40

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh R, Kumar A, Creery WD, Ruben M, Giulivi A, Diaz-Mitoma F (2003) Dysregulated expression of IFN-gamma and IL-10 and impaired IFN-gamma-mediated responses at different disease stages in patients with genital herpes simplex virus-2 infection. Clin Exp Immunol 133:97–107

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Skurkovich SV, Klinova EG, Aleksandrovskaya IM, Levina NV, Arkhipova NA, Bulicheva TI (1973) Stimulation of transplantation immunity and plasma cell reaction by interferon in mice. Immunology 25:317–322

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Skurkovich SV, Klinova EG, Eremkina EI, Levina NV (1974) Immunosuppressive effect of an anti-interferon serum. Nature 247:551–552

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Skurkovich SV and Eremkina EI (1975) The probable role of interferon in allergy. Ann Allergy 35:356–360

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Skurkovich SV, Skorikova AS, Dubrovina NA, Riabova TV, Eremkina EI, Golodnenkova VN et al (1977) Lymphocytes’ cytotoxicity towards cells of human lymphoblastoid lines in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Ann Allergy 39:344–350

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Skurkovich S, Skurkovich B, Bellanti JA (1987) A unifying model of the immunoregulatory role of the interferon system: can interferon produce disease in humans? Clin Immunol Immunopathol 43:362–373

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Skurkovich SV and Skurkovich B (1989) Development of autoimmune disease is connected with the initial disturbance of IFN synthesis in the cells. J IFN Res 9[suppl 2]:S305

    Google Scholar 

  • Skurkovich S and Skurkovich B (1991) A new approach to the treatment of autoimmune diseases and AIDS. In: New American’ Collected Scientific Reports. Buai Zion Soviet American Scientists Division, NewYork, 1:163–167

    Google Scholar 

  • Skurkovich S, Skurkovich B, Bellanti JA (1993) A disturbance of interferon synthesis with the hyperproduction of unusual kinds of interferon can trigger autoimmune disease and play a pathogenetic role in AIDS: the removal of these interferons can be therapeutic. Med Hypoth 41:177–185

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Skurkovich S, Skurkovich B, Bellanti JA (1994) A disturbance of interferon synthesis with the hyperproduction of unusual kinds of interferon can trigger autoimmune disease and play a pathogenetic role in AIDS: the removal of these interferons can be therapeutic. Med Hypoth 42:27–35

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Skurkovich SV, Loukina GV, Sigidin YA, Skurkovich BS (1998) Successful first-time use of antibodies to interferon-gamma alone and combined with antibodies to tumor necrosis factor-alfa to treat rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriatic arthritis, Behcet’s syndrome). Int J Immunother 14:23–32

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Skurkovich SV, Boiko A, Beliaeva I et al (2001) Randomized study of antibodies to IFN-γ and TNF-α in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis 7:277–284

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Skurkovich S, Kasparov A, Narbut N, Skurkovich B (2002a) Treatment of corneal transplant rejection in humans with anti-interferon-gamma antibodies. Am J Ophthalmol 133:829–830

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Skurkovich S, Korotky N, Sharova N, Skurkovich B (2002b) Anti-interferon-γ to treat alopecia areata, psoriasis vulgaris, vitiligo, pemphigus vulgaris, and epidermolysis bullosa. In You-Young Kim et al (eds) Proceedings of the 5th Asia Pacific Congress of Allergology and Clinical Immunology: 12–15 October 2002. Monduzzi Editore, 121–125

    Google Scholar 

  • Skurkovich S, Korotky NG, Sharova NM, Skurkovich B. (2002c) Successful anti-IFN-γ therapy of alopecia areata, vitiligo, and psoriasis. Clin Immunol (Abstract supplement) 103:S103

    Google Scholar 

  • Skurkovich SV, Skurkovich B, Kelly JA (2002d) Anticytokine therapy-new approach to the treatment of autoimmune and cytokine-disturbance diseases. Med Hypotheses 59:770–780

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Skurkovich SV, Volkov IE, Delyagin VM, Rumyantzev AG, Skurkovich B (2003a) First use of anti-interferon (IFN)-γ in the treatment of type I diabetes in children. Berlin 8th International Workshop on Autoantibodies and Autoimmunity, Abstract book, poster 1

    Google Scholar 

  • Skurkovich S, Delyagin VM, Rumyantsev AG, Mel’nikova MB, Skurkovich B (2003b) Anti-IFN-γ in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis-associated uveitis in children. Berlin 8th International Workshop on Autoantibodies and Autoimmunity, Abstract book, poster 18

    Google Scholar 

  • Skurkovich B and Skurkovich S (2003c) Anti-interferon-gamma antibodies in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Curr Opin Mol Ther 5:52–57

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Skurkovich S, Korotky N, Sharova NM, Skurkovich B (2004a) Successful anticytokine therapy in psoriasis. IX International Congress of Dermatology, Beijing, Abstract Book, p. 288

    Google Scholar 

  • Skurkovich S, Korotky N, Sharova NM, Skurkovich B (2004b) Successful treatment with anti-IFN-γ of alopecia areata (AA). IX International Congress of Dermatology, Abstract Book, Beijing, p. 289

    Google Scholar 

  • Smoller BR, McNutt NS, Gray MH, Krueger J, Hsu A, Gottlieb AB (1990) Detection of the interferon-gamma-induced protein 10 in psoriasiform dermatitis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Arch Dermatol 126:1457–1461

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Snapper CM (1996) Interferon-gamma. In Snapper CM (ed) Cytokine regulation of humoral immunity. Basic and clinical aspects. John Wiley & Sons, New York, p. 325

    Google Scholar 

  • Snider LA and Swedo SE (2003) Post-streptococcal autoimmune disorders of the central nervous system. Curr Opin Neurol 16:359–365

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tang H, Mignon-Godefroy K, Meroni PL, Garotta G, Charreire J, Nicoletti F (1993) The effects of a monoclonal antibody to interferon-gamma on experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT): prevention of disease and decrease of EAT-specific T cells. Eur J Immunol 23:275–278

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tang L, Cao L, Bernardo O, Chen Y, Sundberg JP, Lui H, Chung S, Shapiro J (2003) Topical mechlorethamine restores autoimmune-arrested follicular activity in mice with an alopecia areata-like disease by targeting infiltrated lymphocytes. J Invest Dermatol 120:400–406

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thein C, Strange P, Hansen ER, Baadsgaard O (1997) Lesional alopecia areata T lymphocytes downregulate epithelial cell proliferation. Arch Dermatol Res 289:384–388

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thepen T, Langeveld-Wildschut EG, Bihari IC et al (1996) Biphasic response against aeroallergen in atopic dermatitis showing a switch from an initial TH2 response to a TH1 response in situ: an immunocytochemical study. Allergy Clin Immunol 97:828–837

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thomas HE, Darwiche R, Corbett JA, Kay TW (2002) Interleukin-1 plus gamma-interferon-induced pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction is mediated by beta-cell nitric oxide production. Diabetes 51:311–316

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Traugott U and Lebon P (1988) Interferon-γ and Ia antigen are present on astrocytes in active chronic multiple sclerosis lesions. J Neurol Sci 84:257–264

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tsai CP, Pollard JD, Armati PJ (1991) Interferon-gamma inhibition suppresses experimental allergic neuritis: modulation of major histocompatibility complex expression of Schwann cells in vitro. J Neuroimmunol 31:133–145

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tyring SK, Chopra V, Johnson L, Fine JD (1989) Natural killer cell activity is reduced in patients with severe forms of inherited epidermolysis bullosa. Arch Dermatol 125:797–800

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Veys EM, Menkes CJ, Emery P (1997) A randomized, double-blind study comparing twenty-four-week treatment with recombinant interferon-gamma versus placebo in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum 40:62–68

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • von Herrath MG and Oldstone MB (1997) Interferon-gamma is essential for destruction of beta cells and development of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. J Exp Med 185:531–539

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wankowicz-Kalinska A, van den Wijngaard RM, Tigges BJ, Westerhof W, Ogg GS, Cerundolo V, Storkus WJ, Das PK (2003) Immunopolarization of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to Type-1-like is associated with melanocyte loss in human vitiligo. Lab Invest 83:683–695

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wauben-Penris PJ, Cerneus DP, van den Hoven WE, Leuven PJ, den Brok JH, Hall DW (1998) Immunomodulatory effects of tretinoin in combination with clindamycin. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 11[Suppl 1]:S2–S7

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Whitcup SM, Chan CC, Li Q, Nussenblatt RB (1992) Expression of cell adhesion molecules in posterior uveitis. Arch Ophthalmol 110:662–666

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wolff K and Stuetz A (2004) Pimecrolimus for the treatment of inflammatory skin disease. Expert Opin Pharmacother 5:643–655

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Woodroofe MN and Cuzner ML (1993) Cytokine mRNA expression in inflammatory multiple sclerosis lesions: detection by non-radioactive in situ hybridization. Cytokine 5:583–588

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yamada J, Yoshida M, Taylor AW, Streilein JW (1999) Mice with Th-2-biased immune systems accept orthotopic corneal allografts placed in “high risk” eyes. J Immunol 162:5247–5255

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yamagami S, Kawashima H, Endo H, Tsuru T, Shibui H, Kagawa Y, Hori J, Yamagami H, Isobe M (1998) Cytokine profiles of aqueous humor and graft in orthotopic mouse corneal transplantation. Transplantation 66:1504–1510

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao ZS, Granucci F, Yeh L, Schaffer PA, Cantor H (1998) Molecular mimicry by herpes simplex virus-type 1: autoimmune disease after viral infection. Science 279:1344–1347

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zoller M, McElwee KJ, Vitacolonna M, Hoffmann R (2004) The progressive state, in contrast to the stable or regressive state of alopecia areata, is reflected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Exp Dermatol 13:435–1444

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI, 2903, USA

    B. Skurkovich

  2. Advanced Biotherapy, Inc., 802 Rollins Ave., Rockville, MD, 20852, USA

    S. Skurkovich

Authors
  1. B. Skurkovich
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. S. Skurkovich
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Berlex Biosciences, 2600 Hilltop Drive, PO Box 4099, Richmond, CA, 94804-0099, USA

    R. Numerof

  2. University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 4200 East Ninth Ave., B168, Denver, CO, 80262, USA

    C. A. Dinarello

  3. Corporate Research Business Area Dermatology, Schering AG, Müllerstr. 178, 13342, Berlin, Germany

    K. Asadullah

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2005 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this paper

Cite this paper

Skurkovich, B., Skurkovich, S. (2005). Inhibition of IFN-γ as a Method of Treatment of Various Autoimmune Diseases, Including Skin Diseases. In: Numerof, R., Dinarello, C.A., Asadullah, K. (eds) Cytokines as Potential Therapeutic Targets for Inflammatory Skin Diseases. Ernst Schering Research Foundation Workshop, vol 56. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg . https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-37673-9_1

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-37673-9_1

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-540-25427-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-540-37673-6

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation