How does treatment with TNFi affect cytokine balance?

Treatment with tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors (TNFi) has been shown to modulate the cytokine balance in the body. TNFi agents, such as adalimumab and infliximab, bind to and inhibit the activity of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), a pro-inflammatory cytokine. By reducing the levels of TNFα, these drugs effectively suppress the inflammatory response in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases. TNFα is known to promote the secretion of various other pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-8 (IL-8). Therefore, TNFi treatment not only directly lowers TNFα levels but also indirectly affects the production of other cytokines implicated in inflammation. This rebalancing of cytokines reduces the overall inflammatory response in the body, alleviating symptoms and improving the disease outcome. However, it is important to note that TNFi therapy can also have some off-target effects on cytokines, resulting in potential side effects, which necessitates careful monitoring during treatment.

This mind map was published on 12 July 2023 and has been viewed 82 times.