IL-6: the next key target for rheumatoid arthritis after TNF-α

Abstract:

IL-6 is an important cytokine that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. We summarized the clinical efficacy and safety of tocilizumab, the IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody in rheumatoid arthritis, and compared tocilizumab with TNF-α blocking mAbs. The efficiency of tocilizuamb is equivalent to that of TNF-α blockers, and each of the drugs has its advantages and disadvantages. We also summarized the clinical trials of the mAbs blocking IL-6 pathway in development. According to the results of recent studies by several research teams including our research group, IL-6 is another key target for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis after TNF-α. The listing of the IL-6 blockers provides more choices for personalized treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in the future.