Exciting times for cytokine researchers in rheumatology

Abstract

Cytokine researchers, who have invested numerous years determining the role of cytokines in autoimmune disease, are now beginning to see the fruits of their work. There is optimism that cytokine antagonists will provide chondroprotective benefits to patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and clinical trials to test this are now underway. Also, research suggesting the existence of a number of genetic indicators has led researchers to investigate the feasibility of tailoring treatment to individual patients based on genotype information. Back in the laboratory, researchers are looking at reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting specific DNA-binding transcription factors. Each of these developments were featured at the 8th Asia-Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology Congress [ Melbourne, Australia; April 1996 ].