Cytokine inhibitors in autoimmune disease.

The cytokine network participates in the modulation of the immune system. Furthermore, the formation of the cytokine-receptor complex, as well as the transcription, translation, secretion, or degradation of cytokines interfere with the functions of cytokines. Cytokine inhibitors include antagonists, soluble receptors, cytokine-binding proteins, and cytokines that block other cytokines. In autoimmune diseases, an abnormal production of proinflammatory cytokines, or a reduced inhibition of their actions, may lead to an imbalance. The main cytokine inhibitors include interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), soluble IL-1 receptor (sIL-1R), soluble TNF-alpha receptors (soluble TNF-Rs), and certain cytokines, such as IL-4, TGF beta, and IL-10. The combination of cytokine inhibitors is a potential therapeutic approach in the treatment of immunoinflammatory diseases. The nonspecific effects of immunosuppressive drugs are improved by using inhibitors with more specific actions on the functions of proinflammatory cytokines.