Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a multifactorial disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints. Both genetic and environmental factors are involved in the pathogenesis of joint destruction and disability. In the inflamed RA joint, the synovium is highly infiltrated by CD4+ T cells, B cells, and macrophages. Furthermore, the intimal lining becomes hyperplastic due to the increased numbers of macrophage-like and fibroblast-like synoviocytes. This hyperplastic intimal synovial lining forms an aggressive front, called pannus, which invades cartilage and bone structures, leading to compromised function and/or destruction of affected joints. RA pathology is mediated by a number of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, IL-17, IFNγ, etc.), chemokines (MCP-1, MCP-4, CCL18, etc.), cell adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1, etc.) and matrix metalloproteinases. Currently, treatment strategies targeted against TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 are available. In this review, we will summarize the use of biologics, the pros and cons of the use of biologics, and discuss on the potential molecular targets of RA.
Keywords: Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha, human anti-chimeric antibody, Interleukin-1, methotrexate, rituximab, Chemokines
Related Journals
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
Current Bioactive Compounds
Current Drug Safety
Current Drug Targets
Current Medicinal Chemistry
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
Letters in Drug Design & Discovery
Current Drug Discovery Technologies
Recent Advances in Anti-Infective Drug Discovery
Related Books
Computer-Aided Drug Discovery Methods: A Brief Introduction
Medicinal Plants, Phytomedicines and Traditional Herbal Remedies for Drug Discovery and Development against COVID-19
Frontiers in Drug Design and Discovery
Key Heterocyclic Cores for Smart Anticancer Drug–Design Part II
Key Heterocyclic Cores for Smart Anticancer Drug–Design Part I
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Drug Discovery
Frontiers in Drug Design and Discovery
Frontiers in Anti-Cancer Drug Discovery
Frontiers in Drug Design and Discovery
Anti-Obesity Drug Discovery and Development
45