TNF and TNF-receptors: from mediators of cell death and inflammation to therapeutic giants – past, present and future

This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on TNF/TNFR molecules and discusses the reagents currently being used to block TNF in the treatment of human diseases. It surveys the benefits and disadvantages of blocking TNF's broad range of biological activities in vivo and the reasons behind their therapeutic efficacy and limitations. This review will also debate the most recent developments in the use of TNF and anti-TNF agents: the search for ways to pre-identify treatment responders, and the status of the search for the “holy grail” of selective blockade of specific TNFR signaling pathways, not just in vivo, but in selected cells or specific organs, for optimal disease treatment without the current known side-effects.
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Source Type: research