Description
Cytokines play a critical role in orchestrating and perpetuating inflammation in allergic diseases so are a logical target for the development of anti-inflammatory therapy. Several specific cytokine inhibitors are now in development for the treatment of asthma and other allergic diseases. The effects of inhibiting the Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IL-9 are discussed, together with inhibition of TNF-a. Inhibitory cytokines, such as IL-10, interferons and IL-12 are also being considered in the treatment of allergic diseases. Chemokines are an attractive target as small molecule inhibitors of chemokine receptors, such as CCR3 and CCR4.
