| Abstract | Interleukin (IL)-6 plays essential roles not only in the immune response, but also in haematopoiesis and the central nervous system. Deregulated production of IL-6 has been found in chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (soJIA), Crohn's disease (CD) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Furthermore, IL-6 activities can explain many symptoms of these diseases. More importantly, serum levels of IL-6 are correlated with disease activity. Based on these facts, the authors planned to develop a humanized anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, tocilizumab (previously known as MRA), as a therapeutic agent for these inflammatory autoimmune diseases. Tocilizumab is a neutralising antibody to suppress IL-6 signalling mediated by both membranous and soluble IL-6R. Clinical efficacy of tocilizumab in RA, soJIA, adult-onset Still's disease or CD patients has been discussed in this review. In all of these diseases, tocilizumab has improved the disease activity, suggesting that IL-6 plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of these diseases. |
| Authors | Masahiko Mihara, Norihiro Nishimoto, Yoshiyuki Ohsugi
(Affiliation: Fuji-Gotemba Research Laboratories, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 135, Komakado 1-chome, Shizuoka, 412-8513 Japan. miharamsh at chugai-pharm.co.jp)
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| Journal | Expert opinion on biological therapy
(Expert Opin Biol Ther)
Vol. 5
Issue 5
Pg. 683-90
(May 2005)
ISSN: 1744-7682 England |
| PMID | 15934843
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
|
| Chemical References |
- Antibodies
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
- Receptors, Interleukin-6
- tocilizumab
|
| Topics |
- Animals
- Antibodies
(immunology)
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
(immunology)
- Autoimmune Diseases
(immunology, therapy)
- Humans
- Receptors, Interleukin-6
(antagonists & inhibitors, immunology)
|
