Controlled delivery of il-1 preceptor antagonist for treating rheumatoid arthritis

摘要

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic illness in which the synovial membrane of multiple joints becomes inflamed, causing damage to cartilage and bone. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) appears to directly contribute to the tissue damage through induction of the release of tissue-damaging enzymes from synovial cells and articular chondrocytes. Recent studies showed that IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra)- a natural 22-kDa inhibitor of IL-1- can modulate the effects of IL-1 in the rheumatoid joint. It binds to IL-1 receptors on T lymphocytes, synovial cells, & chondrocytes with an affinity nearly equal to that of IL-1. In clinical trials involving patients with RA, IL-1Ra decreased inflammation, with no toxicity. A 50percent inhibition of IL-1-induced biological responses required amounts of IL-1Ra up to 100-fold in excess of the amounts of IL-1.