Findings Shed Light on How TNF Blockade Helps With Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Findings Shed Light on How TNF Blockade Helps With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Reuters Health Information 2005. © 2005 Reuters Ltd.

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NEW YORK (Reuters Health) Mar 14 - Inhibiting TNF-alpha during

dendritic cell maturation results in " semi-mature " cells, a possible

mechanism for the anti-rheumatoid arthritis (RA) effects seen with

TNF-alpha blockade, new research shows.

The findings, which appear in the March issue of the ls of the

Rheumatic Diseases, are based on analysis of immature and mature

dendritic cells obtained from RA patients and healthy controls.

TNF-alpha neutralization was achieved by treating the cell cultures

with a soluble TNF-alpha receptor.

Dr. T. R. D. J. Radstake, from the University Medical Centre in

Nijmegen, the Netherlands, and colleagues found that inhibiting

TNF-alpha activity during dendritic cell maturation did not change the

cell phenotype.

However, this intervention did produce semi-mature cells that displayed

reduced expression of several chemokines. In addition, inhibiting such

activity blocked the expression of two interleukins by mature cells.

" We provide evidence for potential new mechanisms whereby

neutralization of TNF-alpha may achieve its beneficial effects in

clinical practice, " the investigators note. " These mechanisms include

the development of semi-mature dendritic cells and decreased

chemoattraction following inhibition of chemokine production. "

Ann Rheum Dis 2005;64:408-414.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/501436

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