Cytokine blockade - a promising therapeutic option in SLE

Over the last few years evidence on the major pathophysiological role of cytokines in system lupus erythematosus (SLE) has accumulated. Immunological results were recently confirmed by first clinical trials, which suggest that therapies targeted at the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-6, as well as the blockade of Interferon, may be highly effective. Controlled clinical trials will have to prove this concept over the next few years.