The independent platform for news, articles and advice for professionals in laboratory medicine

Anti-tumour necrosis factor drug levels and neutralising antibodies: an update

Peter Kelleher looks at a range of inflammatory conditions and considers the role that testing for anti-TNF drugs and neutralising antibodies can play in the care of patients with autoimmunity-related conditions.

Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) plays an important role in the development of acute inflammatory responses helping recruit white cells and host defence proteins to local sites of infection and inflammation. This cytokine (immune signalling protein) also acts on the liver to stimulate production of C-reactive protein (CRP) and other acute-phase proteins in response to tissue injury. Monocyte and macrophages are the main producers of TNFα; however, it can be secreted by almost all inflammatory immune cells (ie T cells, NK cells, neutrophils, mast cells and eosinophils). The physiological role of TNFα is therefore to protect the host against infection and injury. Elevated concentration of TNFα can, however, cause tissue injury and persistent inflammation.

         Excess production of TNFα occurs in a number of inflammatory conditions including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and ocular inflammation in Behcet’s disease. Increased TNFα levels in joints have been linked to raised metalloproteinase synthesis, articular cartilage breakdown and synovial hypertrophy, which are typical of joint disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.  The development of biological agents targeting the action of TNFα has led to significant clinical improvement in patients with these disorders, with the result that TNFα antagonists are among the best-selling prescribed drugs.

TNFα inhibitors

Log in or register FREE to read the rest

This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text. If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.
Register

Upcoming Events

Pathology Horizons 2024

MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel, Bath
18-20 April, 2024

Diagnostics North East Conference 2024

The Catalyst, Newcastle upon Tyne
19 April, 2024

ECCMID 2024 - European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Fira Gran Via, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
27-30 April 2024

British Society for Microbial Technology Annual Microbiology Conference

UK Health Security Agency, Colindale, London
2 May 2024

EQA Reports: Interpreting Key Information & Troubleshooting Tips

ONLINE - Zoom
Thursday 16th May 2024

Participants’ Meeting: UK NEQAS Immunology, Immunochemistry & Allergy

Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Howard Street, Sheffield
24th May 2024

Access the latest issue of Pathology In Practice on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Pathology In Practice app from your device's App store

Upcoming Events

Pathology Horizons 2024

MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel, Bath
18-20 April, 2024

Diagnostics North East Conference 2024

The Catalyst, Newcastle upon Tyne
19 April, 2024

ECCMID 2024 - European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Fira Gran Via, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
27-30 April 2024

British Society for Microbial Technology Annual Microbiology Conference

UK Health Security Agency, Colindale, London
2 May 2024

EQA Reports: Interpreting Key Information & Troubleshooting Tips

ONLINE - Zoom
Thursday 16th May 2024

Participants’ Meeting: UK NEQAS Immunology, Immunochemistry & Allergy

Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Howard Street, Sheffield
24th May 2024

Access the latest issue of Pathology In Practice on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Pathology In Practice app from your device's App store

Step Communications Ltd, Step House, North Farm Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DR
Tel: 01892 779999
www.step-communications.com
© 2024 Step Communications Ltd. Registered in England. Registration Number 3893025